They're just eight years old and already their footballing dreams are coming true.

Ryan Liu and Henry Pennie have been plucked from their local club Cumberworth AFC and signed to Manchester City and Sheffield United respectively.

As members of the professional clubs’ academies the boys will receive elite training giving them the best chance of becoming top level players when they grow up.

But they’ll have to keep quiet about who they support as Ryan and Henry are fans of rival clubs.

Ryan, of Denby Dale, supports City’s arch rivals Manchester United while Henry, of Clayton West, loves his local Huddersfield Town, who won promotion to the Championship at the expense of Sheffield United in 2012.

But it’s the midfield duo’s skills on the pitch that their new clubs care about.

And there’s no shortage of talent between Ryan and Henry, who attend Kaye’s First School, Clayton West, and Denby Dale First School respectively.

Their former coach at Cumberworth AFC, Kenny Mosley, said: “You could tell Ryan was a cut above when he played for Cumberworth. He was fantastic – a midfield engine!

“Henry is a silky-skilled player. He’s equally good as Ryan and can take on five or six players.”

Coach of Cumberworth U8's, Kenny Mosley with two of his star players, Ryan Liu (centre) and Henry Penny (right) with their team-mates
Coach of Cumberworth U8's, Kenny Mosley with two of his star players, Ryan Liu (centre) and Henry Penny (right) with their team-mates

Kenny says Cumberworth will be sad to see the lads go but he says the club is proud that his club could be a ‘breeding ground’ for young talent.

He said: “They’re cracking little lads and all the team will be sad to see them go.

“If our club is a breeding ground for superstars then you never know what else could happen.”

The club, which trains at Crown Fields, Birdsedge, currently has several players training with professional clubs including eight-year-olds Callum Rudge, who trains with Town, Max Gallon, who trains with Sheffield United and Kenny’s son Kane Davies-Mosley, who trains with Manchester United.

Cumberworth AFC is looking for new young players, including boys and girls.

For more information visit www.cumberworthjfc.co.uk.