A YOUNG footballing talent from Tynedale is rapidly winging his way up The Magpies‘ junior ranks.

Mickley Square youngster Sam Storey (9), who will start Ovingham Middle School next week, has been promoted to Newcastle United‘s U10 Elite squad just four months after signing up to the Premier League’s academy.

Coaches at United were so impressed with Newcastle-mad Sam that they had no hesitation in moving him up from the development squad so quickly, and have also enquired whether he would like to play at U11 level this season.

The early signs are promising for the midfielder who honed his skills in the Tynedale Mini Soccer League for three years at Stocksfield before moving to Newcastle City.

Now that he has been promoted from the development squad well ahead of schedule, he has games against the likes of Manchester United and City to look forward to.

His father Graham said: “He played for the U11 team against Wallsend Boys‘ Club U12 the other week and he did well so I think they’re looking at moving him up an age level.

“He loved playing with his mates for his village team in the Tynedale League, and now he is looking to push on with the academy.

”He‘s just really enjoying his football at the moment and is doing really well, so as long as that continues then he can go far.”