PLAYING for a Premier League football team is many a young boy’s dream.

But for Keelan Williams the dream has taken a major step towards reality – and he is still only eight years-old.

Keelan, of Cefn Mawr, Wrexham, has signed a two-year deal with the Liverpool Football Club academy after a successful trial in front of talent scouts.

And it is a real family affair as Keelan is following in the footsteps of his big brother, Neco, who is also a member of the Anfield club’s academy.

Now on the first stepping stone to a professional career, Keelan is looking forward to playing for the under nines at the club.

Proud father Lee Williams, 40, noticed Keelan had talent from a young age.
He said: “From about four or five-years-old we could tell Keelan had something special about him when he played football.

“With his brother, Neco, already in the academy, I got in touch with the scouts at Liverpool and Keelan was given a chance to show his potential.

“He was offered a two year deal and Kenny Dalglish was even present at the signing.”

Lee made something of a confession though. “We are Manchester United fans in the house generally,” he revealed.

“But now Keelan has asked for the Liverpool kit and is becoming a supporter of the club he plays for.

“He’s been able to meet the likes of Steven Gerrard, Luiz Suarez and Craig Bellamy, three of his idols – especially Craig Bellamy with him being Welsh. Keelan is still very modest; he’s very grateful for the opportunity he has but I don’t think he quite realises it at the age he’s at just yet.”

Keelan travels to Kirby three times a week to train, an all-round 100 mile trip.

Older brother Neco, 11, has also signed a two-year deal to play for the under-12s and has just returned triumphant from a European tournament in which Liverpool against the likes of Manchester United, Barcelona, and Ajax.

Lee added: “I’m really proud of both of them, they’ve done really well to get this opportunity and we can only hope that their success continues.

“Their dream is to play first team football for their club and eventually represent their country, but I’m proud of them whatever happens, they’ve come so far already.”

“We’re very into sport as a family. My partner, Emma, runs a dance company which my three daughters are involved in, they compete in competitions across the country.

“We support our kids in what they want to do completely.

“It’s great that they’ve had these opportunities.”