Wonderkid Wednesday: Leo’s Celtic dream becomes reality

This week Dubai based rising star Leo Mulrainey was quite literally living the dream, as he jetted off to Scotland to train with heroes Celtic FC. 

A lifelong Hoops fan, Leo has come through the ranks of Dubai youth football. He began playing for Mini Madrid aged 6 in leagues around Dubai. While playing for Mini Madrid, he attended Spanish Soccer Schools, giving him the opportunity to travel to Spain with their squads and play against Barcelona, Lyon and many other La Liga teams. Through the years, he has won three Bobby Charlton Soccer Schools awards, as well as being named as MVP in many leagues in Dubai including the Jebel Ali Youth League. Currently at DESC, he is part of the school's A team at Under 14 level. 

Whilst this talented younger's youth football career was already well on track, this spring he received some special news. Sid Choudhary, business operations manager at It's Just Football, said: "In March, Leo won himself the chance to train with Celtic's academy after impressing the clubs coaches at a camp run by It's Just Football at Nad El Sheba Sports Complex."

After what must have seemed like an eternity to the eager Leo, this week his dream became reality. Choudhary continued: "He was given a personal tour of the stadium as well as competing and playing with the Scottish champions' academy at Lennoxtown. As a player who always trains incredibly hard, he richly deserved his opportunity. All at It's Just Football are delighted for him."

Gulf Youth Sport passes on our congratulations to Leo. We look forward to following his 2018/19 season, upon his return to UAE and keeping tabs on his exciting career in years to come.