Triumphant Trio: (l-r): Goalkeeper Mark Halpin, Gerald Chikodzamapfeni and Duane O’achie

Soccer stars prepare for a date in the big league

Fab four hope to impress at Southend trials next month

FOUR of the borough’s brightest young soccer stars are being given the chance to fulfil their dreams of playing for a professional club after being invited to take part in trials at Southend United.
Fab four Mark Halpin, Gerald Chikodzamapfeni, Duane O’achie and Reece Tison-Lascaris will be hoping that they can impress the coaches at the Division One club when they turn up for training next month.
Star striker Reece, who lives in King’s Cross, will be hoping that he can take full advantage of the experience he has gained during impressive stints at Queen’s Park Rangers and Nottingham Forest.
Teammates Mark, Gerald and Duane will also be hoping that they can make their moment in the spotlight count after a series of commanding performances for Camden and Islington’s Pro Touch Soccer Academy.
Goalkeeper Mark, who lives in Holloway, has led by example since being given the captain’s armband, saving a penalty in each of his first two games for the academy.
Meanwhile, Gerald and Duane, who live in Holloway and Mornington Crescent, respectively, have also been winning rave reviews after helping to lead the Pro Touch super squad to four wins in their opening four games.
The trials come at an exciting time for Pro Touch players after the academy revealed last week that they have lined-up a sizzling summer fixture list that includes a series of friendlies against youth teams from pro clubs such as Reading, Queen’s Park Rangers, Nottingham Forest and Wolves.
Academy director Ash Rahman was delighted that the boys are being given the chance to show what they are made of: “It’s magnificent news for the boys and for the academy. We’ve said from day one that our aim is to help disadvantaged players make it in the professional game and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
“The boys have the chance to show just how good they are. Having worked with them so closely over the past six months I’m confident that they are going to do both themselves and the academy proud. It’s all really exciting.”
The Pro Touch Soccer Academy is searching for new players aged between 11 to 14 to join their super squad. Trials will be held at Market Road on Sunday July 1, for further details and application forms visit their website: protouchsocceracademy.
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