A FOOTBALLER from Coalpit Heath is living every young player’s dream, on the pitch for one of the world’s biggest clubs.
Max Alleyne made his Premier League debut for Manchester City in January, and followed it just days later by scoring his first goal for the club in the FA Cup.
Since then the 20-year-old central defender has also made a first appearance in the Champions League and played in the League Cup semi-final.
The former Coalpit Heath juniors player, who joined City at the age of 16 after coming through Southampton’s academy, has described the “pure excitement” of scoring at City’s Etihad stadium.
Max grew up in Coalpit Heath with his mum Louise, a nutritionist and personal trainer who owns Fitquest Bootcamps, dad Mark, a former England and Gloucestershire cricketer, brother Jasper and sister Alice.
Mark won two one-day trophies and a National League title as Gloucestershire captain and is now head coach, as well as being head of cricket at Marlborough College.
But it was on the football pitch where Max shined from a young age.
He was just six years old when he was scouted by Southampton while playing for Coalpit Heath juniors and signed for the South Coast club’s renowned academy.
He made his under-18s debut for Saints aged just 15 and was offered a scholarship deal at St Mary’s but turned it down, and at 16 joined City for a transfer fee of £1.5 million.
He was City’s U21 player of the year last season and had previously been an unused substitute for the first team but went out on loan to Championship side Watford at the start of this season.
‘Pure excitement’
Max was recalled from his loan on January 5 after City defenders Rúben Dias and Joško Gvardiol suffered long-term injuries and made his Premier League debut two days later against Brighton at the Etihad.
He then went on to score the opening goal in City’s 10-1 demolition of Exeter City in the FA Cup Third Round.
Max said: “I was so proud debuting for Man City.
“It was a moment that felt so out of reach for so long, but when it happened I felt so ready for the opportunity.
“To then score the goal at the next game – it was just pure excitement that hit.”
Max ‘worked hard from a very young age’
Louise said: “Max contacted us to tell us he had been recalled by City and he was in Manchester that very same evening.
“Max trained with the team on the Tuesday and he texted us to say he ‘might be starting’.
“Obviously, we were overwhelmed to hear he was in contention and hurriedly made arrangements to be in Manchester the following day.
“I think people think that we would be totally shocked, but the reason he went out on loan to Watford in August was to further develop his skills, so we always believed that he would be in the team – it was just a matter of when.
“Scoring the first goal against Exeter in the FA Cup was amazing!
“Mark and Max’s siblings Jasper and Alice were at the game; I had other commitments so couldn’t be there.
“I had the notification on my app that he had scored and I did a double-take. My phone literally exploded!
“Max has truly had an amazing six days, something he has worked hard for from a very young age.”
Since the FA Cup match Max has played for City in the Champions League against Bodø/Glimt, both legs of the Carabao Cup semi-final against Newcastle United and the Premier League derby match against Manchester United.
He has also been on the bench for several matches, including City’s dramatic win over Liverpool today.
City manager Pep Guardiola has described him as “really, really exceptional”.
He has also represented England from Under-17 to Under-21 level.
Louise said Max’s performances at Southampton had generated a lot of interest from the ‘big’ clubs after visiting several, “City was the obvious choice”.
She said: “We couldn’t be happier for Max – he truly deserves this, with lots of sacrifices being made along the way.
“We believe Max has the skills, temperament and calm disposition to be the footballer he dreamt about when he was six years old.
“We have been genuinely touched by all of the local support and well wishes.”
When Max first signed for City, Coalpit Heath FC chair Stuart Aris, whose son played alongside Max, said the club had watched his progress with interest, adding: “It acts as a great inspiration to current players and the coaches to know that there might be another ‘Max’ amongst the club.”
Top picture: Max Alleyne celebrates scoring the opening goal during the side’s 10-1 FA Cup third round win over Exeter City at the Etihad Stadium in January. Picture: PA Images/Alamy