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Camden New Journal - by STEVE BARNETT
Published: 19 June 2008

David, left, and Elliot signing up with Steve Shorey

Big time beckoning for Elliot and David

Pro Touch youngsters join Reading Academy

TWO wannabe soccer stars took a giant step towards fulfilling their dreams of becoming professional footballers this week when they signed schoolboy contracts with Reading.
Midfield maestro Elliot Boreham, 13, and striker David Bangurah, 12, became the first players to be discovered thanks to the Pro Touch Soccer Academy, an organisation set up to help disadvantaged players make it in the often harsh world of football.
Arsenal fan Elliot, who lives in Chalk Farm, showed maturity beyond his years as he contained his excitement to focus on the challenge ahead: “I’m looking forward to joining up with my new team-mates. I’m really going to work hard and make sure that I make the most of the opportunity that I’ve been given.”
Head of recruitment at the Reading Academy Steve Shorey, who was born in Islington, revealed how with the New Journal’s help the Championship side uncovered their latest stars.
“I saw an article in the New Journal about the Pro Touch Soccer Academy and contacted them to arrange a friendly so that I could see their players in action.”
It was a decision that could prove life-changing as David and Elliot prepare to face youth teams from top Premier League clubs – including Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea.
Shorey, whose son Nicky is a regular in the Reading first team, went on to praise the boys for their commanding efforts so far: “They are a credit to themselves and their families. Their behaviour both on and off the pitch is exceptional.
“They should both be very proud of themselves for getting this far. If they hadn’t made it in to the Pro Touch Soccer Academy I would never have seen them play.
“I can’t guarantee that any player will definitely make it as a professional footballer.
“But within the Reading Academy David and Elliot will be given the best possible chance to prove they have what it takes.
“What happens next is up to them,” Shorey added.
But before the duo meet up with their new team-mates, they will be hoping they can sign off from the Pro Touch Academy in style when they travel to Denmark next month to take part in the prestigious Dana Cup.

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