Tomas given Sporting chance

Sporting Lisbon have recruited an 11-year-old from Wombwell into their academy which has produced the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Luis Figo and Nani.

Tomas Champion moved to the Portuguese capital in April after his father, Royal Navy man Andrew Champion, began a three-year post there.

Tomas – who is a Barnsley fan and previously played for Wombwell Juniors and Darfield Juniors – impressed the teachers at his English language school in Lisbon and they arranged a trial with Sporting.

The midfielder was drafted into the under 12s side and scored twice on his debut.

“I am really enjoying it but my coach doesn't speak a lot of English so I’m learning Portugese,” said the former High View Primary pupil.

“I get free tickets for Sporting Lisbon and I went with my Dad on Saturday, they lost 1-0.  They are not as good as Barnsley.”