YOUNG Bradford footballer Ellis Sudell has taken the next steps in his journey to becoming a professional footballer.

The eight-year-old, from Wibsey, has just signed a three-year contract with League One side Barnsley and he’s “loving” life at the South Yorkshire club so far.

He previously had spells at his beloved Manchester United and Burnley, but he’s now found his feet at Barnsley after leaving both of his previous clubs on his own terms.

Ellis’ father, Brad, admitted: “Ellis had his ups and downs at Manchester United so we decided to take him out of there. As much as we love the club and continue to support them, it just wasn’t the right club for him.

“They told us that they were focused solely on athleticism and not as much the talent, so it was hard for Ellis to properly showcase his actual footballing ability. 

“He then signed for Burnley and it was the same there; there were certain things that perhaps didn’t match what Ellis and we as a family wanted.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Ellis Sudell stands beside the Old Trafford pitch at his beloved Manchester UnitedEllis Sudell stands beside the Old Trafford pitch at his beloved Manchester United (Image: Submitted)

Ellis has since gone on to sign for Barnsley and after joining the club a few weeks ago, he’s already settling in nicely.

His father said: “Ellis is absolutely loving it at Barnsley so far. They’ve welcomed him with open arms and he’s settled in very well.

“It always helps when a club are fully committed to the player, and Barnsley have been exactly that with Ellis since he joined them.”

Brad went on to reveal that it was actually Manchester United who put the Sudell family and Barnsley in touch with one another.

He said: “We were called by Barnsley where they revealed to us that they’d heard of Ellis’ availability through Manchester United, and they asked us to come down for a trial.

“Leeds United wanted to have a look at Ellis, as did Burnley again after we decided to leave the club, so it was a decision that had to be well thought out. However, Ellis wanted to go to Barnsley and I believe it’s definitely the best decision we could have made. He’s loving it there.

“He’s signed a three-year contract which includes a review at the end of each year to see if they’re happy with the progress he’s making. He has training on a Tuesday and Thursday night, and although it’s a bit of a distance to travel midweek, Ellis and myself both love it.”

Brad added: “It’s an eye opener for me getting to see the talent some of these young boys have at academy level, and it’s great to be able to support my son in what he wants to achieve, so I have no complaints about driving to South Yorkshire a couple of times a week.”

With the academy systems around the country being quite unforgiving at times to young footballers, Ellis’ father has given his son some sound advice.

He said: “I’ve had a chat with Ellis and I’ve told him to enjoy it as much as possible. Right now, he absolutely loves the sport and to play it, and if that changes and he tells us that he’s no longer enjoying it, then we’ll fully back him. It’s all about Ellis really.”