A YOUNG footballer from Prestatyn has celebrated signing for Liverpool’s under-nines team.
Zac Parker, seven, officially signed for the club last Thursday (May 11), having been offered a provisional contract last November.
On the day he signed, he also met Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, before Steven Gerrard took his coaching session earlier this week.
A pupil at Bodnant Community School, Zac had represented Rhuddlan Dragons prior to signing for Liverpool, and prefers to play either as a winger or a striker.
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His dad, Michael, is full of pride in his son for his achievements so far.
Michael said: “He’s always been kicking a football, and always just seemed to stand out a little bit.
“His mum and I are both very proud of him. We’re just happy that he’s enjoying his football; it’s a pleasure to watch him enjoying himself.
“When he went to Liverpool, he was just the same as when he’s at his grassroots team; a happy, confident kid who gets stuck in.”
From next season, Zac’s week will involve three training sessions and one match for Liverpool’s under-nines.
He will be based at the club’s AXA Training Centre in Kirkby, which is also where the club’s first team trains.
Michael added: “I got a phone call from the Rhuddlan Dragons manager saying someone had been in touch with him about Zac, so I think it was just through word of mouth that I heard about it.
“I then had a phone call from a Liverpool scout, who asked if I minded him coming to watch Zac at a Rhuddlan Dragons training session.
“He came to that, and then asked Zac if he would come for a session in Deeside. From there, he said he’d be putting him forward for Liverpool trials.
“It’s the same for him whether he’s playing grassroots or for Liverpool, so he wasn’t really fazed by Liverpool at all.”
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As a Liverpool supporter like his dad, it has been a dream come true for Zac, who has been playing football since the age of two.
Michael said: “He went into Manchester City and United as well, but Liverpool always seemed the one which he most enjoyed.
“It’s a big commitment, but in terms of getting him there, I see it as a pleasure, not a chore. I’d take him wherever he wanted to go, whether it was football or anything.
“I just want my child to enjoy whatever they’re doing; I probably get more excited than he does taking him to football!
“He’s just loving every minute of it at the moment.”
Zac started his football journey with the “Mini Ballerz” sessions run by McGuinness Football Coaching, who also shared their delight at the news.
McGuinness Football Coaching added: “Since day one, he has always shown real talent.
“Turning five, he progressed to additional training with his grassroots team and other squads, where he has since worked so hard. Its been a pleasure to watch him grow as a player.
“We love seeing him attend our holiday football camps, where we can see his hard-working mentality come to light.
“We wish Zac the very best of luck as he begins the next chapter in his football journey.”
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