Hawks ace Ryan ready for the big time
THE RACE is on to sign a 12-year-old goal sensation from Havant.
Havant & Waterlooville under-12 striker Ryan Gates has been playing football for just two years.
But he turned up to a recent cup match to find Reading, Pompey and Southampton scouts all watching his performance.
Now Arsenal have jumped on the bandwagon.
By his own calculations, the youngster has netted 95 goals in around 40 games this season.
This impressive record is made more remarkable by the fact the striker's step-mum Kelly is fighting cancer.
As reported in The News last month, she has to regularly travel to London to obtain the life-prolonging Herceptin drug.
On the pitch, Pompey were alerted to Gates' talent after reading match reports in the Sports Mail.
And after netting three goals in another impressive game against Gosport, Reading, Pompey and Saints offered the youngster a six-week trial, with a view to a permanent place at their respective academies.
Then, out of the blue, the Gunners got in touch and will watch one of his Saturday League Cup or Sunday League Cup semi-finals this weekend.
Ryan's dad Derran said: 'I am totally gobsmacked.
'They want to come and see him and take him up there to play against either Chelsea Youth or Norwich Youth. They want to see him in action.
'We'll see what club is best for Ryan. For this to happen to a 12-year-old... it's brilliant.'
Despite Pompey's interest, Reading were the family's preferred choice and favourites to sign the young hot shot on a permanent deal – before Arsenal expressed an interest.
Now Derran and son are having a rethink.
'I have asked to go and see the facilities of all the clubs, after which a decision will be made,' said Derran.
'We have no problem with any of the sides and whoever have the best facilities are the club we will go with.
'Travelling is not an issue for us as we are happy to take him wherever he needs to go.
'At the moment we are primarily looking at Reading as a number-one choice.'
Because of the FA rule stating a player can not play for a team more than one hour away from their home, Ryan will have to wait for a call from his beloved Liverpool, who he supports.
But his unprecedented goal tally leaves his side, Havant and Waterlooville under-12s, top of the Mid-Solent Saturday Under-12 B League having already wrapped up the South Hants Glass Under-12 B Sunday League.
His manager Barry Ward said: 'Ryan is a super player with terrific ability.
'Over the two years he has been with us he has shown commitment in improving his game.
'We are a vastly improved side that is where we are because of his ability to put away the goals.
'Ryan is a rare talent and it has made me extremely proud to manage him.'
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Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 26 May 2012
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