A football coach has managed to get 16 children into three Premier League club youth teams in May.
Connor Tagoe who runs Vision Football Development Academy (VFDA) with his business partner Rob Bersantie coached all 16 children. They have all been signed up by some of the biggest names in English football, eight signed for Liverpool FC, three for Everton and five for Manchester United.
They're aged seven and eight and begin training with their new clubs in the 2023-24 season. The youngsters come from various parts of Liverpool including Toxteth and Anfield.
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Professional football coach Connor told the ECHO: "We've trained most of those who signed, over the last two to three years, since they were five and six years old. I’ve got them to where they need to be, but for me it's just my job and my passion to help them to achieve.
"The kids are excited to go on the next part of the journey, do really well and have loads of fun".
Connor is a UEFA B footballing coach, the second highest award available and is no stranger to the stars as he coaches English Premier League, Italy's Serie A and Belgium Jupiler Pro League players and more in off season in a training camp in Dubai. The 28-year-old went from coaching at grassroots level to his UEFA B badge since 2020.
VFDA is a little over two years old and has seen Connor and Rob producing potential stars of the future with Premier League clubs signing the 16 children.
Connor said: "No matter if at the academy or with me, I tell them just work hard at what you do. The message is not just in football but working hard in school as well.
"I’m a big believer that if you work hard in football that's great, but if you don't work hard in school you can get into bad habits. It's a mentality thing. It will go better for them later in their careers and life if they do well in school too.
Jayden, eight who signed for Liverpool said: "It felt nice to sign for LFC, the club I support and love. I'm really excited about it.
"My favourite player is Mo Salah because he is left footed like me, and I dribble just Iike him. The coaches encourage us to work hard and have fun too. It’s always fun to meet my team mates who are my friends as well".
Leo, seven who signed for Manchester Utd said: "All my friends were happy and said congratulations to me for signing for one of the biggest clubs in the world. I play midfield and my favourite player is Messi".
Ricardo, eight who signed for Everton said: "(My friends), they were happy for me and delighted. I like best scoring goals and having fun with my friends and Demari Gray is my favourite player”.
Connor continued: "All kids are welcome. We're very diverse. We don't advertise, it's word of mouth. Kids can come train, learn basic football skills, have fun and meet new friends. First and foremost it's a big playground, to have fun".
For information follow VFDA on Instagram HERE
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