TEENAGE Urmston footballer Daniel Mooney is living out his dream after signing a professional contract with League One outfit Fleetwood Town.

The 17-year-old former Wellacre Academy pupil had previously been at Oldham Athletic in their youth team before being offered an initial two-year scholarship at Fleetwood.

And after impressing, the forward was one of three players to sign a contract from the under-18s side recently with coach Nathan Rooney having no doubts the boys are ready for the next level.

He told the club's website: "Dan has matured on and off the pitch and improved massively as a footballer.

“Now it’s time to roll his sleeves up and maintain the standards on the pitch he has set to enable him to make further progress."

The family are naturally delighted with his progress, with mum Mandy Moore said she is over the moon with the news. She told the Messenger: "All his coaches at the club have given him great praise.

"With the passion he has, he intends to go all the way to the very top.

"We’ve always believed in him – since the age of six he’s said he was going to be a professional footballer and the constant training has paid off.

Dad Chris has been by Daniel's side every step of the way, taking him training four times a week and to games both home and away.

He added: "The hard work starts now, the important thing is to maintain and build on what he has achieved."