Blackburn sign up UAE-based teen footballer

Jordan Adetiba is the latest youngster from the UAE to make it to Grade 1 club academy status in England.

Grade eight 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 UAE-based 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, UJordan, 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 being 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, whose parents are UAE residents, told Khaleej Times.
He will still keep attending Moorland Private School and will travel by school transport to the Blackburn Rovers academy four times a week for training and matches. "We are all thrilled at Moorland School to learn that Jordan Adetiba (Year 8) has been signed by Blackburn Rovers Academy following a successful trial period. Jordan has now been signed as an Academy level player," school officials said. "We are all delighted for Jordan and will do all we can to support him through the next stage of his development."
Jordan had already gotten on to the Elite International Football Program of Moorland School before his trials with the English club, and the subsequent contract with Blackburn Rovers.
For the Dubai-based youngster, it's been a great year for him, especially after having qualified to take part in the Manchester United Soccer Schools World Skills Final in November 2015, being able to play on the Old Trafford pitch on a match day and having his name announced along with the other winners from around the world, to a packed Old Trafford stadium.
But now the real hard work starts for the young man with academy football being 'next level stuff'. Earlier this year, three members of the Moorland School International Football Elite program were offered a two-year scholarship at Blackburn Rovers Football Club.
"For grassroot level promotion, to have three boys from one year group win scholarships at a Category One Club such as Blackburn Rovers is a major achievement," said Charlie Jackson, who leads the training development on the Elite programme located in the heart of the Ribble Valley on the Moorland School Campus. "The only true and proven international football boarding school, the institution provides a programme that combines first class football skills development with educational opportunities," he added.
Meanwhile a long list of well wishers of the Desert Rangers spoke highly of the club's initiatives and of Jordan's talent on social media here, wishing him a great future as a successful professional footballer one day.
moni@khaleejtimes.com