Chay Morris and Matthew Hislop, team-mates in a highly successful Whetstone Wanderers side a few seasons ago, faced each other in an U15 game between Arsenal and Wimbledon recently.
Left back Matthew was in action for Arsenal, and Chay kept goal for Wimbledon.
Chay was man of the match with a string of superb saves that restricted Arsenal to a 2-1 win, and Matthew also performed well. Both hope to make the big time.
They became friends while playing for the Barnet Primary Schools' representative team and Chay's father Barry, a team manager for Whetstone, invited Matthew to join the club.
They helped Wanderers become champions in the Bushey Friendly League in successive seasons.
Both were spotted by pro club scouts two years ago. Matthew signed for Arsenal, and Chay joined Charlton.
Matthew, who lives in Laurel View, Woodside Park, was a pupil at Finchley Catholic High School but now attends the Arsenal School at Highams Park.
He is a Spurs fan, "but Arsenal have helped me a great deal with my development and I hope to make it to the top as soon as possible and play in the Premiership for them," he said.
His favourite player is Patrick Vieira. "He's got so much style." Like Matthew, Chay is a Spurs fan.
A student at East Barnet School, he was with Watford until Gianluca Vialli became manager and rang the changes.
Watford released him ("They told me I was too short for a keeper") but Colin Barnes, the keeper coach at Watford, switched to Wimbledon. He was impressed with Chay and asked him to join.
Chay says he is grateful to young Watford keeper Liam Watson for his help and he also admires Spurs' Neil Sullivan.
"I'll be happy to play at a good level and get a good wage. Divison One would suit me, but in my dreams, it's the Premiership."
One vital statistic has greatly encouraged Chay he's grown four inches since the end of last season.
Two other Whetstone Wanderers boys, Oliver Archer and Louis Dennis, have linked up with Watford FC.
Whetstone chairman Chris Panayi said: "Our club has been running for about ten years and we are very proud we have helped boys to develop their skills to a level that has led to them linking up with professional clubs."
October 31, 2001 17:52
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article