Ball-juggling Zak Brunt hopes his scintillating soccer skills will see him follow in the footsteps of former England captain David Beckham.

Zak, a massive Blades fan, from Clay Cross in Chesterfield, has qualified for a place in the World Skills finals, which take place at Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium in September.

Now he hopes to emulate Beckham, who still holds the current record of 1,100 points set at the World Skills final of 1986, when the former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder was aged just 11.

Zak, a pre-academy player at Sheffield United and pupil at Park House Primary School, is working with the Blades coaching staff to improve his football skills including dribbling, passing and shooting.

He will be the youngest competitor at Old Trafford after beating youngsters twice his age in a qualifying round in Barnsley to reach the final.

More than 100 children from all over the world are taking part in the annual finals, which will take place before a Manchester United game.

Children will be tested on their ability to dribble, shoot, control, juggle and pass with each test given a maximum score of 200 points, plus additional time bonus points.

Other past winners include Preston striker Neil Mellor, Wolves forward Freddy Eastwood and Manchester City's Stephen Ireland.

Sheffield United academy director Ron Reid said: "Zak has done terrifically well to reach the World Skills finals at such a young age and in our eyes he is already a winner.

"He was originally spotted at one of our football camps and has been in our academy for a year now.

"We will be working with him on all aspects tested in the event and hopefully get him as close to Beckham's record as possible. I'm sure with what we have seen of Zak already he will be a star at the finals."

Zak has been at United since he was four years old, attending the club's summer soccer camps before being spotted by the Blades academy coaches.

Dad Glen added: "Zak is really looking forward to his trip to Old Trafford - although there's only red and white team in his life - Sheffield United."

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