JACK Page could see his name up there alongside the likes of Lucas Neill and Robbie Slater as Aussies in the English Premier League if his football career keeps going as quickly as it is.
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The young star could find himself in the famous blue and claret of East London club West Ham United like Neill, Slater and Stan Lazaridis if the momentum continues.
Page has been selected in the West Ham United Oceania Academy to tour the United Kingdom in September, and he and his family are desperately raising funds to get there.
Players from the Hammers' academy will take to the field against some quality opposition, and also attend coaching sessions and stadium tours.
The party will first attend a camp on the Gold Coast before departing for the UK on September 22. They arrive back in Australia on October 6.
The highlights of the tour include matches against English and Scottish academy teams, and five-a-side game on the hallowed turf of London's Wembley Stadium.
The players and their parents will also attend English Premier League and UEFA Champions League matches, and get a guided tour of London. They will visit Scottish clubs and Edinburgh Castle.
Page's favourite part of the trip will be a tour of Old Trafford, which is the stadium of his beloved Manchester United. He said he would be thrilled to visit the ground.
Page got a call from ex-Hammer George Cowie on Sunday night with the good news that he had made the squad.
He and his father Matt will make the trip. Matt Page, a former rugby player, always finds time to help Jack nurture his skills in the beautiful game.
Page's mother Penny is the typical football mum.
"I'm the one who drives him everywhere," she said.
She had Googled plenty of football opportunities for young players. Page had previously tried out for the AC Milan academy.
He needs to raise almost $7000 to get to the UK.
Penny Page said it would be amazing for her son to get to the UK.
"He's an 11-year-old kid trying to follow his football dreams," she said.
Page plays for Port United in the under 12s Crocodiles, and is coached by Nathan Wade.
His first United coach was Glen Pollard, who coached Page as a five-year-old.
His representative coach is Michael Chandler.
If you can help Page make the trip, phone Matt McLennan at the Port News on 6588 6620 and he will put you in touch with the family.
