More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A boy from Greenhithe has signed a two-year contract with a Premier League football club.
Macen Peerless was approached by Charlton Athletic, West Ham, Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and Crystal Palace before he chose to join Chelsea FC as his next step in his footballing career.
Macen demonstrates his talent on the ball. Credit: Ria Foster
The seven-year-old is set to have a bright future – having already spent time training with Arsenal FC, Tottenham and Charlton.
The Craylands Primary School pupil has been playing football since he was two by practising in the garden with his older brother, Luca.
His mum, Ria Foster, said: "He first showed signs of potential at a very young when he played in an under-six tournament in Abbeywood for Kent Football United.
"He spent a lot of time training at Arsenal, Charlton, Chelsea and Tottenham at their main academies from around the age of five."
Macen plays most of his football on the wing, but is comfortable playing in the midfield and defence when called upon.
He officially joined the London club at its signing day earlier this month.
Ria added: "He is so happy to be one of the 13 boys who had been selected out of hundreds and hundreds of children around London and the South East for the group next season.
"He has worked so hard to get this amazing opportunity, but the real hard work starts now."
Macen's dad, Cole Peerless, said: "We're all very proud of Mace. He's always shown great technical ability from a very young age and always been so passionate, determined and hard working.
"It's a very big commitment for Macen and the family but we are truly behind him 100%."
Macen hopes to one day break in to the first team and get a call up for the England squad.
Before joining Chelsea, Macen played for Crayford Arrows, where head coach Rob Gill identified the young talent as a top player after he scored 100 goals in just two seasons.
Rob said: "I knew then what an outstanding player he was and that he would go far.
"Scoring over 100 goals in his two seasons with us, bearing in mind half a season has been missed due to covid, is no small feat.
"It'll be sad to see him go but I couldn't be any prouder of his next path with Chelsea, and I will continue to follow his journey and can't wait to see more of him on TV."
