Promising young footballer Sam Wisniewski is a potential star on the pitch – and on the big screen.

Sam, 12, of Linthwaite, signed for Barnsley FC when he was just nine but his soccer skills have now landed him another shot at stardom – as an actor.

Central midfielder Sam won a major part in a new football-based movie which premiered in Manchester last night.

Sam, twin sister Holly and mum and dad Karen and Adrian attended the red carpet event at the National Football Museum.

It is almost three years since Sam, then just 10, filmed Believe, a family feelgood movie featuring legendary former Manchester United boss Sir Matt Busby.

Said to be inspired by a true story, the plot centres around a young character called Georgie, who plays for an under 12s team in Manchester.

Georgie steals Sir Matt’s wallet but the retired manager – who nurtured the famous Busby Babes at Old Trafford – sees Georgie playing football and makes him an offer he can’t refuse. He won’t press charges if they let him coach the team.

At that stage the youngsters are oblivious to the fact they are being coached by a European Cup-winning manager.

Sir Matt is played by Scottish-born Shakespearean actor Brian Cox, who has also starred in movies including Rushmore, X-Men 2 and The Bourne Supremacy.

Other stars include Natascha McElhone, who starred in Ronin with Robert De Niro, and Philip Jackson from Poirot.

Adrian said Sam auditioned for the part after being told by family friends that a film company was looking for talented young footballers.

“We sent a one minute video of Sam showing his football skills and he was invited for an audition,” said Adrian.

“He then had to go away and learn some lines and come back and perform them. Then he had another audition and another and got the part.”

Filming took place on location in Manchester in 2011 and Sam was needed for 20 of the 31 filming days. His character is pals with main character Georgie, who wears the iconic No7 shirt.

The movie has already been shown at film festivals in the likes of Los Angeles, Toronto, Berlin and Zurich and will go on general release on Friday (July 25).

The film will be available on Sky Movies on the same day, the first time a film has been launched on TV and the big screen at the same time.

Adrian said: “You don’t have to like football as it’s a really good family film. Sam had never done any acting before but he took it all in his stride.”

Sam, who also plays cricket for West Yorkshire, has also filmed some TV adverts but his sporting commitments take up most of his time and acting is on the back burner.

Sam, who was a mascot for the Scotland v Wales World Cup qualifier at Hampden Park in March last year, recently signed a new two-year contract with Barnsley.

Last night’s premiere was due to be attended by Sir Matt’s son and former Man United and Town striker Denis Law.

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