An Australian six-year-old youngster was trialled by one of Europe's leading football clubs, Barcelona, last January. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Panos Armenakas was invited on a month-long, all-expenses-paid trip to play with Spanish giant and was offered a place in the club's elite junior squad. The youngster, who plays with Abbotsford FC in Sydney's suburbs, turned down the offer at the time.
However, now a mature seven-years, Panos will head to England to train with Bolton Wanderers next month.
Panos's father, John, is adamant that he is not treating his son as a commodity. He told reporter Ben Cubby that he got interest from the big clubs by first sending a DVD and was then astonished by the response. "Everything was prepared for us. They treated the young players exactly like the professionals - it was all about skill and 'touch' play. Even the under-eights are coached by professionals, former international players. It's amazing and Panos loved it."
However, now a mature seven-years, Panos will head to England to train with Bolton Wanderers next month.
Panos's father, John, is adamant that he is not treating his son as a commodity. He told reporter Ben Cubby that he got interest from the big clubs by first sending a DVD and was then astonished by the response. "Everything was prepared for us. They treated the young players exactly like the professionals - it was all about skill and 'touch' play. Even the under-eights are coached by professionals, former international players. It's amazing and Panos loved it."