A YOUNG Audenshaw footballer is enjoying the next phase of his promising journey with a Premier League outfit.
Jack Stirling made a big impression during his two-year stint at Curzon Ashton while representing Under-9 and Under-10 teams at the Tameside Stadium.
Such was the standard of the 11-year-old’s performances, he was invited to trial for Burnley in December 2022 and was snapped up by the Clarets after just four weeks.
Now with 12 months experience to his name, the Russell Scott Primary School pupil is hoping to progress through the ranks and eventually forge a career in the professional game – just like Denton’s Rhys Bennett, who also attended Russell Scott before establishing himself at Manchester United and guiding the youth team to FA Cup glory in 2021.
Speaking to The Correspondent about Jack’s progression in a few short years, his father, Jamie, said: “Jack started football at 18-months-old with Footy Totz based in Denton and then joined his first team at U7 level for Denton Youth.
“He then joined Curzon Ashton U9s until being signed by Burnley midway through the U10 season. He initially started out in defence but then realised his gift was on the right wing where he could use his stamina to sprint up and down the pitch and score.
“He was eventually scouted by Burnley and invited to trial for eight weeks, making a big impression on the coaches before being offered a contract after four.
“Jack signed with the club in January 2023 and was so relieved that all his hard work paid off. The whole family were so proud of his achievements and, like all young boys who are football mad, Jack is aiming to play at the top level in the Premier League.”
Unlike most fathers who watch from the sidelines at the weekend, Jamie has played an active role in Jacks progression and has personally coached him since the age of six.
Having coached Jack and his teammates at Denton Youth, Jamie joined Curzon in a coaching capacity and enjoyed success with the Ashton-based club over a two-year period.
However, he has since taken a back seat and watches Jack from the sidelines against some of the biggest clubs in English football, including Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool.
Not to mention a trip to Portugal last summer, which saw Burnley face off against Real Betis, Atletico Madrid, Seville, Sporting Lisbon and Porto.
But despite the jump in level and quality, Jamie has fond memories of his time at Curzon and believes the club provides a great foundation for players to impress.
He added: “Curzon is a fantastic set up with a great culture and accommodates all abilities – which is what grass roots is about.
“The Tameside Stadium 3G pitch is, arguably, one of the best facilities in Manchester. At a time when finances are tight, the cost is very reasonable considering they offer two training sessions per week plus weekend fixtures.”
It will come as no surprise that Jamie has been impressed with the facilities at Burnley.
As well as providing top-class pitches, the Premier League outfit ensure that Jack’s time with the club is as enjoyable as possible by providing him with everything he needs to fulfil his potential.
According to Jamie, the Clarets are huge proponents of academic education and continually stress the need for players to balance their enthusiasm for football with a strong knowledge of various subjects and life skills.
And it appears to be a wise approach to take, given less than 0.5 per cent of players entering academies from the age of nine will ever make a living from the game.
Jamie fully endorses the club’s approach and is confident that Jack will succeed as he enters adulthood – whether that be football or an alternative career path.
He said: “Education is very important and this is something Burnley also take very seriously by checking school reports to ensure boys behave and don’t give up on education for Football.
“They also encourage a Plan B away from football as we all know the statistics on making it in football are so slim.
“Jack has gained a lot of knowledge from all the coaches at Burnley and feels they’ve all had a positive impact at the club – he’s very grateful for the opportunity for as long as it lasts
“He works hard at school and is currently an A-grade student. He’s highly thought of by his teachers and captains the football team, which also does very well.
“The school has a proud history of developing talented boys and girls, so we’re lucky that Jack is able to perform with a school that creates such an environment.”