TEENAGE Guernsey footballer Kieran Mahon has had trials for England U-19s team and a host of professional clubs are reportedly chasing him. He was one of only three 16-year-olds nationally to be selected for the trials and has already been told he will be involved again next season.
And it is reputed that Premier League club Aston Villa and professional outfits Leicester City, Stoke City, MK Dons and Northampton Town are all interested in taking him on loan at their academy for two to three weeks early in the new year.
The former Les Beaucamps schoolboy is already making a favourable impression at the FootballCV Academy - the first of its kind in the world.
He is a step nearer realising his dream of becoming a professional footballer - getting a contract and playing internationally for the Republic of Ireland.
‘I’m happy that I’m doing well and am knuckling down and I have been told by all my coaches that I can make it. They have told me to keep focused and I’m enjoying it,’ he said, during a 10-day break back in the island.
‘It’s a good experience - every training session and game - and I have improved loads. When I came over here last time and went Priaulx training [with North] they noticed the difference.’
He was delighted with his England trial in Nottingham - despite being three years younger than most of the other lads selected from all over the country.
‘It was good and I did not feel I was a lot off their ability - they were a bit bigger and stronger,’ he said.
Kit Carson, who is involved in the Republic of Ireland set-up, has also shown an interest and watched the Guernsey youngster with Irish roots.
‘Aston Villa would be my favourite option on loan - I would love it,’ said the ambitious youngster.
Proud parents Steve and Saran are delighted that he has made waves already in the academy ranks and outside.
‘Kieran is doing extremely well and is progressing in line with what is expected of him by the Academy coaches. He has certainly benefited from playing every day and with the additional strength and conditioning coaching that is given by Danny Caines, the Great Britain 400m runner,’ they said.
‘The UK game is a lot faster than Guernsey football and it was a challenge to go from part-time local football into full-time football in the UK.’
The academy team are currently doing well and are placed fifth in their league - having gained great experience playing against strong opposition.
Mahon impressed the Northampton Town Aca-demy coach during a 1-1 draw in October, when he was awarded the man-of-the-match accolade.
During the end of term parents’ week recently the Academy’s head coach, former Chelsea player and Northern Ireland international Kevin Wilson, told his parents that he certainly had the ability and passion to go further, but had to focus during games and not get disheartened.
‘We all know it’s about hard work, getting to the next level and attitude, dedication and determination. The gaffer said he has all the aspirations and abilities to make a professional player and he was well chuffed with that,’ said father Steve.
Based at Rushden & Diamonds’ Nene Park ground in Northampton-shire, the unique academy is an independent, private, residential facility dedicated to the footballing and educational needs of its students.
Another Guernsey youngster at the academy, Marcelle Magloire, has reportedly not played football for about 14 weeks, due to shin splint problems.
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