Footballer reaches goal at championship training ground

A TEENAGE footballer has had a glimpse of the future after playing competitively at the home of his favourite team.

Northallerton College forward Jake McNaughton was selected to play for North Yorkshire for the second year running.

And his first game was at Rockliffe Hall, near Darlington, the training ground of Middlesbrough Football Club, his favourite side.

“It was an amazing experience as it was just so professional,” said the 16-year-old, of Appleton Wiske, near Northallerton.

“I started playing football at primary school and absolutely love it. It must be incredible playing professionally for a club but I am also looking into coaching and refereeing as a fall-back career.

“I was thrilled to be selected to play for county again and am now using the skills I have developed to help coach the juniors.”