In the local press here, nice to see the kid get a chance
SINGAPORE — What was meant to be a family holiday turned out to be a life-changing experience for former Singapore Sports School student Zachary James Delf.
The 17-year-old has earned himself a training stint with English Championship side Charlton Athletic after impressing youth team coach Jim Dean earlier this year on another visit.
The teenager, who plays in midfield, has decided to put his studies on hold and will leave this Wednesday to join Charlton’s Community Trust Post 16 Football Academy as a trainee.
“I feel much closer to my dream of playing for a European club,” said Zachary, who also happens to be a Charlton supporter.
“Being able to train there would mean more opportunities for me as a footballer to pursue a professional career. I can always go back to studying after this, but for now my only goal is to go there and do my best.”
Zachary first joined Charlton for two training sessions under Dean after his grandfather George, 74, contacted the South London club for his grandson to train with them during a holiday in the British capital last year.
During the brief opportunity, Zachary managed to impress Dean and returned to London for a two-week stint in January.
In May, he led his school Victoria Junior College to the National “A” Division Championship title.
Zachary’s father Nick, 51, said the family decided to let him accept the Charlton stint because this could be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
“My view is if the child has a special talent particularly in sport and if we wait another two or three years for him to finish his National Service and take his A-Levels, then it would be too late,” he said.
0
Comments
CHARLTON IN GOOD DELF
They sound like ex-pats, so entirely possible they are Charlton supporters.
So he's playing for the Trust not the actual main academy?