A GREENOCK boy who has had a football at his feet since he was a toddler has taken one step closer to his dream of becoming a professional.

Harry Atkinson recently finished first year at Notre Dame High School but is now preparing for a move to St Ninian’s in Kirkintilloch, where he will receive expert coaching from Celtic’s youth academy as part of the curriculum.

The 12-year-old has been participating in Celtic’s junior set-up for five years and is now set to move into the intermediate programme.

He will be joined at St Ninian’s by another local player, Perrie Ramsey from Inverkip.

Mum Kimberley Atkinson told the Tele that her son will train before, during and after school in what will be a ‘huge commitment’ for the family.

The youngster, who hopes to emulate the likes of current Celtic captain Callum McGregor, said his time with the club so far has been ‘a great experience’ and that he’s looking forward to starting at his new school.

Greenock Telegraph:

He added: “I feel quite relaxed about it because I’ve got boys in my team that I’m going to be in classes with, and older boys from the other team too.

“In the changing rooms, it shows you all the boys who have gone through the academy into the first team.

“Kieran Tierney, McGregor, Karamoko Dembele – it just shows you and makes you want to go do it.”

Kimberley said: “Sometimes you don’t really realise how much of an opportunity they’ve got at this age.

“There are so many boys that would kill for it.

“I’m a bit nervous just because he’s still so young and he’s now going to be travelling to and from Glasgow.

OTHER NEWS: Sports volunteers are honoured by Inverclyde Council 

“But I’m over the moon for him. He’s got so much ahead of him.”

Harry started playing football at Mini Morton at the age of three, before being scouted at Toryglen whilst at a tournament with Morton in the Community.

The young centre midfielder recognises that his journey to this point has been dependent on a number of people – including relatives, coaches and teachers.

He said: “I want to say a big thank you to Mr Gordon, my head teacher.

“And to my mum and dad for taking me up to football, and my granda just for helping me and supporting me.

Greenock Telegraph:

“He took me to the football park and showed me how to play.

“Mrs Brown, my old football coach in All Saints helped me a lot and gave me confidence when I was younger and playing with the older boys.”

Notre Dame High School took to Twitter to wish Harry luck, saying: "There’s an incredibly bright future ahead for this outstanding young man."

Harry has also thanked Lairdy’s One-to-One coaching for their support during lockdown, and his old Morton coach Steven Morris.

His time at St Ninian's gets underway in August, as he enters second year of high school.