13-year-old Christopher Atherton becomes the youngest footballer in the UK

Northern Ireland student Christopher Atherton became the UK’s youngest footballer on Tuesday night, at just 13 years old.

The 42-year-old broke the record when he entered the second half as a substitute for Glenavon, aged 13 years and 329 days.

Surprisingly, Atherton’s first touch was a assist as he assisted his side’s sixth goal in a 6-0 win over Dollingstown in the League Cup.

The striker is almost a year younger than the youngest former British professional player, Eamonn Collins, who played Blackpool at 14 years 323 days in 1980.

Gary Hamilton has known coach Glenavon Atherton for eight years as he played for the same team as his son Callum.

“I don’t think any of us were aware (of the record), but a tweet was posted before kick-off and a staff member noticed,” Hamilton told Sky Sports News.

“But he made his debut based on his skill and his reward for the way he plays in all age groups.

“He’s only in his third year at school. We brought him in to train with the first team last year and he’s never looked out of place.

“At such a young age to be able to come in and train with the guys and look so relaxed, all the guys commented on how terrifying this was for a teenager.

“But with that a lot of hard work comes from us as well. He is a talented young man in his school work and football.

“When you are that way, you have a chance to become whatever you want to be.

“We just want to keep him grounded. He has great parents. I know your father Stephen very well, he was a YTS member at hearts and it didn’t work out so he knows football can change very quickly.

“We just want to give him the right path, the right encouragement and try to show him the right direction.

“He needs to stay grounded, which I don’t doubt he will.”