Skills wizard Charlie on top of the world

HE’S only 12 but Charlie Purcell has the world at his feet.

Charlie, from Glenbeigh, Co. Kerry, has just returned home with the top prize from the Bobby Charlton World Skills Championship in Manchester.

Last July, Charlie won the International Skills section and, having now added the world crown to that gong, is following in the footsteps of such football luminaries as David Beckham and Stephen Ireland.

To win the prestigious trophy, Charlie had to overcome competition from talented young footballers from around the world and prove his mastery of dribbling, passing, shooting, juggling and other football skills.

His mother, Sarah, was there to see him crowned champion, while dad Jer decided to stay at home, as he did when Charlie emerged triumphant in Manchester in the summer.

“We decided to do the same thing we did then because we didn’t to put any extra pressure on his shoulders,” says Jer.

“In fact, I would have been the one feeling all the pressure. Charlie was delighted to win the competition, but he took it all in his stride.”

As well as winning a “massive trophy” and securing another placement at the Bobby Charlton Soccer School next year, Charlie, along with his fellow finalists, had the thrill of taking part in a training session run by Manchester United first team coach Rene Meulensteen.

A Liverpool supporter, Charlie, who only began attending secondary school last month and turns 13 in December, plays his local football for Killorglin FC and, having made such an impact in Manchester – where club scouts were in attendance – can expect to have his progress closely monitored as the years go by.