UK Football Trials player Liam Fannon has signed a contract wtih League 2 side Accrington Stanley, after spending six weeks at the club on trial. 

Liam, 12, was picked up by Accrington scouts at our football trial in Manchester earlier this year and then subsequently invited in to train and play with the u13's.

During his first match for the academy, Liam, who plays up front, scored three and set up two others in a convincing win on his debut.

Liam also had a spell training with Manchester City's development team and has previously had a trial with Leeds United at age 9.

Liam's Dad, Paul, said: "Liam is absolutely delighted and just so made up, he hasn't stopped smiling all week.

"His confidence has absolutely shot through the roof and the whole experience has been like a breath of fresh air."

Liam played in several games for the academy before they took the decision to sign him, including a match in which he scored against Premier League outfit Burnley.

Paul added: "After about four or five weeks, we got a call from David Bailey (who saw him at UK Football Trials) inviting us up to the training ground and they signed him then and there.

"If it wasn't for David picking him up at UK Football Trials then none of this would have happened, so we're hugely grateful for that."

Paul went on to speak of the impact that the UK Football Trials programme has had on Liam and his football development.

He said: "Liam really enjoyed his UK Football Trial, the best thing for me as a parent was that there was no pressure on the kids, just a friendly environment.

"The tips we received from the website, emails and Improve My Football were really helpful, especially the food and nutrition side, it was excellent. We printed everything off and went through it properly, it can be great for a lot of kids, understanding what the scouts are looking for in players."

Paul added: "The feedback that we got on the day from the coach was useful too, it's good to get a professional coach's opinion on his game and to see where he can improve.

"We would receommend anyone to give it a go. Getting scouted in Sunday League is very difficult so this is a brilliant option."

Accrington Stanley scout David Bailey, who arranged the trial for Liam and was present on the day of the signing, gave his thoughts on Liam and the UK Football Trials platform.

"Liam is a natural goalscorer, he did very well at the UK Football Trial and I had to have a look at him playing with academy our players," said David.

"Because he's very short and slight, there were a few people at the club questioning what I was doing bringing him in, but after getting the hat-trick in the first game I think they all could see his ability!"

He added: "For a club like ours, on a budget, coming to UK Football Trials means we can see a lot of players in a short period of time. We get to see players from all over the UK which is great as it means we have access to people that we otherwise wouldn't - it's a great platform.

"We've signed four players from the trials now which is amazing and we've had six or seven lads in on trial too, we get to have a look at them and see if they are coachable players with the right attitude for our club."