Young Paris signs professional contract with Manchester City

James Paris, who has been at the Manchester City FC youth academy for the last couple of years after being signed from Pietà Hotspurs, has just penned a professional contract with the club from Eastlands.

Paris, 17, becomes the first Maltese youngster to sign professionally for an English Premier League club. He has worked hard for this opportunity and deserves this chance. But his task won't be easy with the richest club in the world now able to buy anyone they want thanks to the heavy investment put in by the Abu Dhabi owners.

However, Paris is a determined quality player and has vowed to give his 100 per cent commitment and effort to try and force his way into the senior squad in future.

Paris's progress may be followed on Manchester City's official website under the academy section. He has recently played against Crystal Palace and Cardiff City.

Meanwhile, there were two pleasant surprises at the Football Frenzy Soccer School recently.

Paris has just visited the school during his summer holidays and presented Football Frenzy an official Manchester City shirt after spending some time with the young players during training.

The other surprise was reserved for Conrad Cassar.

On the initiative of Michael Pryke, he was given a special memento that he will cherish for the rest of his life... a Liverpool FC shirt signed by the whole squad.

Cassar, an avid Liverpool supporter, was awarded the prize for his excellent behaviour, attitude and improvement shown over the season.

Football Frenzy have just finished the Summer Academy and are currently recruiting young players for the winter school, starting in October. More information may be obtained by emailing footballfrenzy@waldonet.net.mt or phoning 21-634397.