14-year-old right-back Steven Cairns

Published: 23 October, 2014

DEFENDER Steven Cairns won’t forget his brief spell with AFC after a pre-season tour with the youth academy ended with him being signed by Premier League side Southampton. 

The 14-year-old right-back had barely played 10 games for AFC, but impressed so much the Saints quickly snapped him up on a two-year schoolboy contract. 

AFC coach Liton Shah said: “I’d known about Steven and how talented he was for about two years. 

“The only surprise was that he hadn’t already been signed up by a professional club. 

“We were looking forward to having him as part of our squad that plays in the Eastern Junior Alliance League this season, but when a Premier League club comes calling you can’t and don’t say no!” 

Call 07904415 791 to find out about AFC’s trials.