Shropshire teenager Charley Edge leaving home to follow football dream
A promising teenage footballer is soon to leave his Shropshire home to embark on the next stage of his dream of becoming a professional.
Charley Edge, from Park Hall, near Oswestry, has been on the books at Premiership outfit Everton for two years.
The 16 year old is to take up the offer of a two-year scholarship with the club, just weeks after he gained his first under-17 international cap for Wales.
But before he starts his scholarship he has to complete his exams at the Marches School in Oswestry.
Charley's dad Mark Edge said the teenager had had a busy time over the past few weeks.
Mr Edge said: "Charley only turned 16 recently and will soon be leaving the Marches.
"He is sitting his exams now but in six weeks will be moving out and going to live in Liverpool because he will start his scholarship at Everton.
"On top of that he has just gained his first under-17 Welsh cap which he is thrilled about.
"He took part in an international football tournament in South Wales involving Wales, Iceland, Northern Ireland and the Faroe Islands.
"Wales won the competition and Charley played in the three games."
Mr Edge said Charley, who plays left midfield or as a striker, was looking forward to the next stage of his football career.
He said: "Charley has been at the academy at Everton for two years after he moved there from Stoke City.
"He is enjoying his football and looking forward to starting the scholarship which he hopes will lead to a professional contract."
Mr Edge said he and his wife Annette, who also have twin 22-year-old sons Terry and Danny, had mixed feelings about their youngest son leaving home at 16.
He said: "Like most parents you worry a bit but he will be staying in a lodge with four or five other Everton youngsters and they will be looked after by a couple at the lodge who will feed them and keep an eye on them.
"He is our youngest son so you are sad to see them go but it is a great opportunity and we want to see him do well.
"He has enjoyed fantastic life experiences during his time so far at Everton and been halfway around the world to places like Singapore and South Africa.
"And he really enjoys going away with the Wales squad as well.
"You never know what the future holds in football but we hope a pro contract will come once he completes the Everton scholarship."
