Teenage football star snapped up by Middlesbrough

A HARD-WORKING youngster is keeping his feet on the ground after turning pro at a premier league football club.
Barnard Castle’s James Cook, 17, signed terms with Middlesbrough FC last month after more than six years at the club.
The former Teesdale School student has moved through the age groups to become captain of Middlesbrough’s under-18 side.
James, who plays at centre-back, said he was very happy to be making the step up.
“I was just really happy,” he said.
“You go from under 16 to under 18 and the game is just that bit faster – I’ll just carry on what I’m doing.”
When it came to the reasons behind his progress, there was one stand out characteristic.
“Just work hard more than anything else,” he said.
“I have always tried to work as hard as I can rather than think I am good.”
With an old head on young shoulders, step-dad Mark Winter said James was well grounded.
The electrician started an under sevens team to foster James’ talent at a young age before giving up running the side to take his step-son to the development academy in Willington.
“I could not have done it without my parents and step-parents,” said James.
“We go down as far as Manchester City and the East Midlands is the furthest we go.”
James has joined former Barnard Castle FC teammate Jack Lee in progressing to academy level.
Jack signed for championship side Sheffield Wednesday last year.
The central defender dispelled the impression that professionals train for just a couple of hours a day.
“It’s not like that at youth level – we train then go to the gym on most days,” said James.
“I don’t normally get home until 5pm most of the time.”
Mum Carol-Ann Winter said she was very proud of her son's achievements.
“We are over the moon for him – he has worked really hard,” she added.
“People think that they just go and play football but it’s not like that – it’s a lot of commitment and it’s been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster.”
The family has had a tough time in years gone by.
James’ sister, Kelsey, took her own life in 2007 and two uncles were lost from the close knit family.
Mrs Winter added: “I know if they were here they would be so proud of him – some kids could have given up and gone off the rails after what happened but he has stuck at it and got there.”