Year 7 Student Scores in Premier League!

Posted at 9:13 am on 9th February, 2022

Manchester United FC Academy Success for Gazi

Year 7 student, Gazi, has enjoyed both great sporting success and enriching opportunities as a player for the Manchester United Academy.  

Most recently, Gazi was invited to play in the Premier League Christmas Truce Tournament trip in honour of the World War One Christmas Truce, when some British and German soldiers stopped fighting and played football.

The 3-day trip included playing tournament finals at St George’s Park training ground, followed by a tour. The squad also participated in an Education Day at the Staffordshire Regiment Museum and the National Memorial Arboretum. 

Visiting the museum and memorial site helped the squad learn more about the first World War including trench systems, warfare and routines of soldiers. It was an immersive experience with an opportunity for them to handle weaponry and try on a Great War uniform.

 Gazi said: 

“The tournament and history visits were good. I enjoyed visiting the museums and also touring the stadium.  We saw England’s changing room and pitch tunnel, and we pretended to be in the England squad!”

Originally from Russia, Gazi came to England when he was 7 years old and knew nothing about the game of football!  A talent for football runs in the family with both Gazi and his two brothers playing for Premier League Academy teams. 

Gazi and his older brother both joined Sheffield United FC Academy when they were aged 9 and 11.  After 12 months, the family moved to Manchester and Gazi joined the Manchester City Academy before joining his brother at Manchester United at the age of 10.  His younger brother is now at Manchester City.

He currently plays Centre Back and trains every day with both the U12s and U13s squads and competes in matches every weekend.  He is also a real asset to the Wellacre Year 7 football team.

Gazi added:

“I like everything about football, especially playing the game. I like the challenge of playing against strong teams.  There is lots of travelling; I almost went to play abroad in Germany and Poland but the trips were postponed due to Covid. Hopefully I will get the chance to make these trips in the future.”

Principal Mrs Sharrock commented:

“Gazi is a very talented and determined student who appreciates the need for hard work in realising his ambitions. We are very proud of him. Well done Gazi.”