Young local footballer, Lee Hodge, has won a place in the Manchester United Soccer Skills competition, which takes place on Saturday March 11 at Hopwood Hall, the soccer school's residential base.
Lee, who will be travelling to Manchester with his father Clive, a former senior player in East Cornwall, will also be able to enjoy the upcoming Manchester United v Derby County match, as well as participating in the competition final with 450 children from across the country.
Four finalists from different age groups will be chosen on the day, receiving a trophy and a free scholarship at one of the soccer school's residential venues during the year 2000. The winners will be presented with their prize on the pitch at Old Trafford during the half-time interval.
Lee reached the final when a heat was held at Newquay last August. Seventy-four boys took part in the heat and just four with the highest amount of points were given the opportunity to perform in the final along with other finalists from all over the country.
Lee went to Dobwalls Primary School, but after moving to Lanivet near Bodmin to live, then attended Lanivet Primary school. Lee now attends Liskeard Community College and is in the year eight soccer team. He has been coached at the Dragon Leisure Centre (Bodmin) since he was eight.
Lee plays his club soccer in the Devon Junior Minor League with Saltash Utd. Juniors and he also turns out for Bodmin Dragons U-13s in the Stud Sports League. Lee is a midfield player, but when needed he can also play in defence.