Grade 8 student Jordan Adetiba who had his first seven years of education in the UAE and was part of the highly successful Desert Rangers Club age-group soccer programme in Dubai is the latest youngster from this part of the world to make it to Grade 1 club academy status in England.

Blackburn Rovers has selected Jordan as one of their few handpicked candidates for their academy this season and the English Championship League outfit officially signed Jordan for their under-13 academy programme.

Last season Jordan a leading scorer in age-group tournaments in the UAE and England was among the probables for the Nigerian under-12 national team. He was shortlisted again for the final preparatory camp in Lagos.

"My new school environment is great and the fact that football comes as a priority along with my academics gives campus life an interesting twist. Football my biggest passion is easier now without having to go home after school change and go to the fields and academies in Dubai. I hope to improve further at the Blackburn Rovers academy" Jordan told Khaleej Times.

Moni Mathews