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Search forCroydon best friends get Arsenal offer
Saturday, August 23, 2008, 07:00
The dazzling duo have been snapped up by the Premiership giants after scouts spotted them playing for local teams.
The pair, both seven-year-olds, have been offered two-year-contracts with the Gunners, with Harrison a goalkeeper and Harry a left back.
Harrison's mum Karen says his skills were first spotted when his brother, James, 12, wouldn't let him play outfield.
The human resources manager, from Kirsty Drive, Selsdon, said: "The reason he ended up in goal was his older brother was a bit mean to him.
"They just used to stick him in goal and kick the ball at him, so he learned how to stop the ball.
"He loves playing football, every time they go to school I have to drop them off early so he can play, then it's after school and after dinner, he's always playing."
Harrison, who attends Greenvale Primary with Harry, is so passionate about football he refused to let a nasty injury stop him playing.
He knocked his two front teeth out when he collided with another player two years ago but was straight back on the pitch.
Harrison said: "Eduardo from Arsenal is my favourite player. I've got his shirt to play in.
"My room's covered in Arsenal posters and I play football on the PlayStation too. It's my favourite sport ever.
"I know I'm better than my brother. His team always loses!"
Harry's mum Claire, from Elm Park Gardens, Selsdon, says ever since her son could walk he's been obsessed with all things footy.
The IT trainer, 35, said: "He's been playing since he was two. People started taking notice because he's left footed and he's got a really good kick.
"He and his mates played for Selsdon Juniors, and all the scouts came to watch from Chelsea, Fulham and Crystal Palace.
"He wasn't nervous about his trials, he just loves football, so it was another chance to play, he enjoyed it for what it was.
"Both of his grandads went for trials at Fulham, so they play with him in the back garden.
"Unfortunately his dad's not very good. I think it skipped a generation there!"
Harry, whose favourite team is Crystal Palace, says he feels at ease when he has his football boots on.
He said: "I like football very much. My favourite player is Andy Johnson, I want to be as good as him when I'm older. I don't really like any other sports. I'm better than my dad at football, so I'll try to teach my little brother my moves when he's older."
The boys have been offered two-year contracts at the academy and if all goes well might just one day be playing in front of 60,000 at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium.
LOVELY LEFT FOOT: Harry Mark in action Photo No: CCRIS160808-C-17
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