Christmas came early for Welshpool youngster Max Williams after he was invited to join a five-a-side kick-about with the famous Manchester United Class of 92, including David Beckham and Wales manager Ryan Giggs.
The 15-year-old goalkeeper, who has been playing trial games for Salford City Football Club this season, was phoned on Wednesday asking if he was available for a game the next day against the club’s owners – including Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and the Neville brothers – and “a special guest”.
Despite being ill for two days, he jumped at the opportunity and on arrival at the club’s Hotel Football HQ, it was soon apparent who the ‘guest’ was.
“When I arrived with my dad, we saw David Beckham having breakfast and we couldn’t believe it,” said Max, who has come onto the radar of a number of clubs since his solid performances for Wales U16 at the Victory Shield last month.
“It was an unbelievable experience to be a part of. They took no prisoners and were determined to win. They certainly didn’t hold back in the challenges and showed their class. It was great banter as well. You can see just how much they still love playing the game.
“It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me. I played one half of the game for the Class of 92 and one half for the academy.”
Beckham, whose son Romeo also played, posted a video to his Instagram account of the superstars after the match doing sprints with the youngsters to finish off the session.
With it, he told his 52 million followers: “Good habits stay… teaching the kids after we beat them 19-17.”
Max said he wasn’t sure what the score was and thought the youngsters had won but admitted he wouldn’t be disputing Beckham’s claim of victory!
He also hopes to have particularly impressed Wales national team manager Giggs.
“He was really friendly and we had a good chat at half time,” said Max. “It was such an honour to play with, and against, him.”
This article first appeared on mywelshpool.co.uk
