Football News: Kobbie Mainoo’s Grassroots Journey to the England Squad at Euro 2024
As the Euro 2024 tournament unfolds, the spotlight shines on England’s young midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, whose rapid rise to international stardom began at the grassroots club of Cheadle & Gatley in Stockport.
Humble Beginnings at Cheadle & Gatley
Steve Vare, Mainoo’s first coach at the club, beams with pride recounting the player’s early days.
“I’m not saying in any great shape or form that we’ve made him the player he is today, but what we did do was give him the start in his footballing life. We obviously did something right.”
Mainoo, who made a memorable cameo in his England debut against Brazil and scored in the FA Cup final for Manchester United, joined the club’s football school at the age of five, spending nine months there before moving to the professional academy system.
Vare recalls being blown away by Mainoo’s talent even as a five-year-old.
“Kobbie stood out by an absolute mile. You don’t ever know, but clearly with Kobbie effort, time, commitment and obviously ability are why he’s the player he is today.”
Family Support and Club’s Legacy
The Mainoo family has played a crucial role in supporting the midfielder’s development. His father, Felix, was hands-on, and the entire family have traveled to Germany to cheer him on at Euro 2024, where England’s campaign has had a shaky start.
Other alumni of the Cheadle & Gatley club include Wrexham’s George Evans and Hallam Hope, recently released by Oldham. The “Mainoo-mania” sweeping the club since the Euros has inspired hopes of producing the next generation of English football stars, including a focus on developing female talent.
As England look to turn their Euros fortunes around, the story of Kobbie Mainoo’s grassroots beginnings serves as a testament to the vital role of local football clubs in nurturing the country’s future talents.
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