Three stars from same team bag pro contracts

Evo-Stik Northern Premier League Harrogate Railway Athletic are celebrating the success of their youth development programme after three youngsters from the same team and age group scooped a hat-trick of professional contracts.

The trio - Albert Ibrahimi, Dom Tear and Neil Patience – have impressed playing for the U14s at the First Division North Rail's Station View.

Patience, who arrived at the club in 2010 when his family relocated to Harrogate from Scotland, has signed for Bradford City while Fisher and Ibrahimi have joined Huddersfield Town.

Ibrahimi, the brother of first team star Fatlum, has played for Athletic since he could first kick a ball at the age of six. Tear has been at the club for the last two seasons after switching from Knaresborough Celtic.

Proud officials are now hailing the success of their growing youth set-up and U14s manager Ray Green in particular for the key role he's played in the development of the trio.

Rail Secretary and programme editor Mike Sunley said: "Not only is it a rarity for one junior to be contracted at the club but to have three all from the same team and all at the same time is a magnificent achievement, not only to their parents and the football club as a great deal of credit has to go to their manager, Ray Green."

He added: "Everyone at the club are absolutely delighted for the lads and Ray. We'd like to wish all three Harrogate Railway lads all the success for the future."