Coach Dean Lovelock with the Pro Touch players

Published: 8 May, 2014
by STEVE BARNETT

A TEAM of talented young footballers swapped Regent’s Park for Upton Park on Sunday when they were invited to take on academy players from West Ham United.

Pro Touch Soccer Academy’s Under-9s and Under-10s couldn’t hide their excitement as they travelled to east London to test their skills against Premier League opposition.

The battle of the wannabe professionals proved a priceless experience for both clubs as they took part in a series of scintillating seven-a-side friendlies.

The trip was especially rewarding for Pro Touch midfielder Freddie Winfield and goalkeeper Luca Charlton, who have been invited to sign up for the Hammers for a six-week trial. The team-mates have some big decisions ahead of them, however, having also attracted the attentions of West Ham’s London rivals Arsenal.

Freddie Winfield, left, and Luca Charlton, right

Pro Touch coach Dean Lovelock, who regularly leads the boys out in the Camden and Regent’s Park Youth League, said: “It was a great opportunity for the boys to showcase their skills and abilities against Premier League opposition. The experience was the perfect preparation ahead of their trip to Portugal in July when they will be taking part in the Iber Cup.”