A Toxteth teenager has been called to play for the Jordanian national under 17s squad.
Adam Abu Hassan, 14, currently plays for Accrington Stanley under 14s and was second youngest in the Jordan team. Their coaches, impressed by videos of Adam, wrote to Accrington asking for his release to take part in games held in Jordan and their camp in Turkey.
They’re preparing for the Asian Football Confederation Cup Under 17 qualifications later this year. Adam flew to Jordan with his dad, playing in four games in March against under 19 sides from Jordan, Kazakhstan and Turkey.
Adam signed for Accrington in October 2021 and told the ECHO : It’s truly an honour and a dream come true playing for my country, also making my family very proud. It was definitely a challenge as I was struggling with the language a bit and regardless of my age I felt I adapted well”.
Jordan's Under 17 coach Adduallah Alqatati said: "I saw some clips of Adam playing and was impressed by his technical ability so we contacted his father and asked if there are more clips available. Adam settled very quickly. He was very polite, a good listener and followed all the coaches instruction’s. He did get on well with all players despite some language barrier and since he went back to the UK most players have been asking about him”.
He added: "Despite his younger age he matched the current players we have in the team. He played well in matches where he was comfortable in dribbling, cutting in and either passing or having a shot on goal. We can see a bright future for him, so we encourage him to keep training hard. One of the coaches will contact Adam and make a plan to help Adam progress further".
Adam started playing football aged seven or eight after his school, Pleasant Street was invited by Liverpool Football Club (LFC) to do some sessions at the local Fire Fit sports centre. He was chosen to take part in a six month training programme where he was advised to join a grassroots team to develop his skills further. He then joined Toxteth based Kingsley United FC.
For the next few years Adam had trials at LFC Academy, Tranmere, Crewe, Wigan and Rochdale and again at LFC where he had some problems with growing pains. Following a talent identity day Adam was scouted by Accrington, Rochdale and Fleetwood, eventually signing for Accrington. He also plays for Liverpool Schoolboys.
A versatile left footed player, Adam can play on right and left wings, as a striker, attacking midfielder and right wingback. He explained: "I felt satisfied as I realised all my hard work paid off and I’m proud of myself as I kept going regardless of setbacks I had. My ambition is to become a professional footballer that has a legacy inspiring people".
Aiman, Adam's father, said: "When Adam was signed by Accrington I was very emotional as I know how hard Adam worked especially after the few rejections he had. During lockdown he was training nearly every day in the park doing drills he searched from YouTube and drills were provided by Kingsley coaches.
"I was so proud of him as he was determined and worked hard to reach that moment. When he was called up by the National team all the family felt very honoured as he is two to three years younger than most of the team. Adam's coaches (at Accrington) were very pleased and supportive of Adam's call up and all encouraged him".
