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shwni-blog · 5 years

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Soccer Cleats For Kids

Soccer Cleats For Kids: Everything You Need to Know For The Perfect Pair

The Soccer Cleats For Kids you are about to see have made the top 10 list for durability, performance, and value for money They are not chosen for your kids just because they look awesome and will probably break after a few kicks of the ball like some of the stupidly overpriced soccer boots that are out there these days Playing soccer is one of the favourite activities for most kids Some of them only do it as a hobby and others dream of playing it professionally But no matter what are their intentions with soccer, it’s always important for you as a parent to encourage them, help them get the best out of them, and of course, protect them That’s why we believe that you need to know everything about soccer cleats as this is one of the most important part of their equipment when it comes to fulfilling all those parental desires we just mentioned There is a great explanation of the purpose of soccer cleats by azcenteral.com which you should take a look at when you have time If your child needs to improve their soccer skills then just watch this quick video showing 10 soccer tips for kids Soccer cleats protect the feet of your kids And even though they don’t actually make the player A good pair can help improve your child’s abilities a lot Also, by informing yourself about the matter and helping your kid to choose the right cleat, you’ll let them know that you care about them and interest in the things they like, proving them love and encouraging their self-esteem Or just to hear them say "You Are The Best!!!" Finally, we know that it might be a little bit hard for you as a busy parent to stumble upon the internet and find all the information you need And if what is written here then our good friend WIKI has some very useful information on soccer cleats

That’s why, to help you, we’ve collected everything you need to know about the right soccer cleats for your children in this ultimate buyer’s guide So keep reading and become the parent every little player loves! Well, until you tell them to do their chores then they will probably say they wished you were dead like my 4 boys do!

Buyer's Guide for Soccer Cleats For Kids

1. Comfort is #1 Priority To begin with, there are some steps that you might follow to cover every important detail for selecting the right cleat Let’s remember kids are very sensitive to things that make them uncomfortable We adults can handle a little discomfort but kids tend to take that very seriously and comfortless soccer cleats can heavily affect the performance of your boy or girl on the field Even to the point they would want to quit out of pain I’ve lived experience like that myself, trust me

That’s why the first thing you need to assure to your child is a shoe that fits them perfectly by being the right size and also avoiding hot spots, according to your kid’s feet As this could be a bit difficult, a good tip is to loosen the laces Make them wear the cleat and walk a little around the house with them on to find out how they feel If even with the laces loose and over a few steps the cleat doesn’t feel right, then it’s better to switch to a different pair 2. Choose Only The Right Size We tend to believe that if we go to buy shoes and they are our size but get a little tight It doesn’t matter because they will stretch out with time But let’s remember, these kids will be using the cleats for running around during hours and days If the size is not right, when the feet get tired and a little swollen, even if the cleats actually stretched out, they will cause pain to your child’s feet and even could cause malformation with time Like bunions or fetlock On the other hand, it’s also important that the size is not too big This could lead your kid to lose agility and end up falling, or worse, hurting their ankles So as well as step #1, the right size is elemental when choosing soccer cleats for your kids 3. Enhance Your Kid’s Abilities

In this part, you’ll need to do some pre-search Maybe you already know this but each position and player has different abilities that can be enhanced by the right pair of cleats Make sure you know which position your kid often plays and talk to the coach so you can find out which areas your child needs to improve on This part is important to remember that you’ll probably need to spend a little bit more if you’re looking for a pair of specialized cleats instead of a regular pair So, if your boy or girl are just starting, you may want to by a generic pair first and then find out which are the ones they’ll actually need Also, we recommend looking for different brands instead of sticking with the most known ones such as Adidas or Nike Because, even though these are really good brands, you’ll probably be able to find other models with the same characteristics but for a lower price Remember that the cleat characteristics you’re looking at are not just because “they look cool” or “I like the colours” but instead you need to check a few things about them first, Such as... How Lightweight They Are The Protection Areas Durability Grip 4. Avoid Overprotecting

Let’s face it, we are parents and most of the time we get a little overprotecting when it comes to our kids involving in any mildly risky activity We know that soccer may sometimes bring hard situations where our kids may get hurt and we want to avoid that But when we do everything to protect them, no matter the cost, we might also make the situation worst and make them an easy target You should also think about getting shin guards which are compulsory at any level of soccer as they will also protect your child If, for example, your child plays upfront, they will be vulnerable to tackles or ankle hits And the best way to protect them is by boosting their speed This way he will be more likely to avoid the hits Instead of that, some parents tend to choose protected cleats that, in their minds, will “soften the blow when they get tackled” But the truth is that they’re only slowing them down and as a result, making him a lot more vulnerable to receiving those hits And once again, let’s face it, no matter how much protection they have, receiving the hits will ALWAYS bring more risk, pain and possible lessons they can learn than actually avoiding them That’s why you need to think about how to boost your kid’s playing style instead of trying to protect them from every kind of possible opponent 5. Ask For Advice Even with all these steps, it still can be hard to find the right pair of cleats for your kids And it's not like they could run onto the field barefoot, is it? So, a good idea is to ask other parents, especially if they’ve had other kids that also played soccer before Or if their children are bigger than yours, this will guarantee they’ve spent some time picking up soccer boots before Also, soccer coaches see players of all kinds all day long, season after season So they’re an excellent fount of information regarding soccer cleats and if they’ve been coaching your kids for a while, they’re even better as they would actually know what is best for YOUR kid’s playing style So just take a few minutes to speak to your child's coach to see what they think Before you take a look at the top 10 soccer boots/cleats just watch this short video of soccer legends Ronaldo, and Messi showing off their skills and what you or your child could achieve with the right training and of course... The Right Cleats... ENJOY!

10 Best Soccer Cleats For Kids

10. Diadora Cattura

These are the ideal boots for those new players that still don’t know what the future in soccer holds for them As beginners, younger players especially need comfort and durability because chances are that they will be taking the juice out of the cleats and also discovering what it is to have really tired feet But it’s also important to remember that younger players will easily lose their shoes due to growing feet And an expensive shoe for beginners would be a waste of money My eldest son even lost a boot DURING a game... Now how is that even possible? But he did!! This is why the Cattura is the right choice for these babies who are just entering the game They’re made out of synthetic leather which is much more durable than regular leather It won’t crack and more important, it will maintain its shape for longer, as synthetic material doesn’t tend to give up so easily And that will help your toddler’s feet to keep their natural shape and not generate malformation or stepping issues Of course, this is a very basic model, so don’t expect fancy extras or ornaments, or extra protection either Nevertheless, as we mentioned, they’re exactly what a beginner needs Also, these shoes are wider than regular Nike but smaller than Adidas shoes So take into consideration the size your kid usually wear might not be the right for these cleats Another important feature of this soccer cleats is that they come in black Which means you won’t need to be washing them all the time

The studs are FG made out polyurethane rubber so they are very safe for playing without hurting themselves but are also pretty durable These cleats are so good but sadly used for so little time (usually kids at that age lose shoes over a year) but if you have other kids, you can reuse the shoes for them or you can also sell them second-hand or donate them and they will surely last for a couple kids more If You Liked That About It, Then You Might Like This... Pros & Cons of The Diadora Cattura Pros Very reasonable price. Tough and durable shoes. Easy lace tie-up system. Comfortable and adaptable. Won’t deform with use. Back studs are wider for better stability. They come in different colours but we recommend black for beginners. Cons It's Very basic, doesn't have any extra features, Therefore they won’t boost any ability or protect a specific area. You might need to adapt the size of the foot as it’s not like standard shoes (maybe 1,5 size smaller than most common beginners cleats)

9. Vizari Stealth

Even though these shoes don’t offer any extra booster, they’re definitely a superior quality when talking about durability These cleats will definitely last longer than a season and the odds are that you could re-use them in the future in case you have another player-to-be at home This is because the synthetic material is a much more quality than the synthetic leather, with the benefit that it will adapt better to the feet Of course, this model is still preferable for beginners as the only qualities it offers are their durability and the fact that they’re very comfortable in the inside Also, the lack of fancy collars in the ankle makes them easy to put in and out for any kid without the help of their parents And, for those kids who still don’t know how to tie the laces, the benefit is that the cords on this model are really thick so they stay tied up without a problem Just tie them before the kid enters the field and losen them afterwards The truth is that this model is not really fancy Even though they come in really pretty and happy colours, the general design is really basic with a rounded point to assure comfort We could say this is the best price/value option in the market for those who are looking for practicality over fanciness The studs are round and made out of rubber which offers a fair traction and the surface Nevertheless, the outsole and the upper are stitched for guaranteeing an even more durable cleat

The only downside to all this durable a resistant structure is that your kids will need thick socks Especially if they’re delicate at the ankle or have sensitive skin as the lack of collar and the hardening of the material can hurt a bit around that area If You Liked That About It, Then You Might Like This... Pros & Cons of The Vizari Stealth Pros Very durable and non-deforming. The material is the easiest to clean so you’ll just need a wet rag. Colours are really pretty. Price is great for the durability of the product. Cons It can hurt a little bit on the ankle because of the material. Though its point is round for comfort, the general size can be a little bit narrow (not as much as the previous or following model), it’s like a medium width.

8. Vizari Infinity

Continuing with the economical series The Vizari Infinity are outstanding quality shoes that will fit like a sock to your toddler's feet as it is specially designed for providing major comfort to the user Even though they can be narrow, it’s recommendable to ask for one size up so the feet can have some room to swell up a bit and the shoes don’t make your kid’s feet hurt Also, they are designed for granting maximum grip so your toddler won’t trip over the cleats The rubber sole and rubber studs that are around ½ inch are perfect for the comfortable movement of your littlest child Another good feature is that they come in very bright colours that will not only be attractive to both boys and girls but also are a good way to always keep an eye on your kid even when distant as they can be seen from very far away Even if you’re not too much of a soccer mom or dad, and you can’t follow what happens in the field, you’ll be able to always find your kid by looking for their cleats

For those kids who have a pronounced foot arch, this model would be especially useful as it’s flexible and can bend a lot more than regular models, to actually match the footsteps If You Liked That About It, Then You Might Like This... Pros & Cons of The Vizari Infinity Pros Very easy to mould to actually fit your kid’s feet without killing the toes or generating malformation of the arch. Five different colours to choose from, ideal for boys and girls. Rubber sole and studs for better grip. Very economical for the quality. Cons It’s recommendable to get half or full size up to guarantee they won’t be narrow. They don’t include fancy features or boosters.

7. Under Armour ClutchFit Force 2.0

This is another very basic model but we put in on the 7th position because it does include a special feature; speed Though they are made of an extra-durable synthetic material, they’re also really light compared to the previous model, so they can boost the performance of those kids that are faster In soccer, speed is a very valuable virtue and if you know your kid is fast, buying them a pair of cleats that give them comfort, and resistance but also boost that ability can mean the difference between being selected or not But when you hear light don’t think they’re fragile, in fact, their synthetic material and sole plate will not only resist overuse but will also offer some protection to your child’s feet from impact, all that without affecting the speed And that’s not all about the ClutchFit Force Their inner material is also specially designed for beginners as it offers all the comfort an unaccustomed foot would need to start getting familiar with soccer perks The inner is made out of a unique formula that Under Armour has developed for their beginners and premium shoes So it will offer comfort to your kids while still protecting and giving them an extra speed And all this for a really reasonable price that matches the one on the previous model, even though they are slightly better cleats About the studs, it’s important to know that they’re made for hard ground surfaces and only work with dry or slightly damp grass

If trying to use them in the softer ground they might not fail on avoiding sliding as, even when the studs are wider than regular to provide better stability, they’re not long enough to perform in muddy grounds If You Liked That About It, Then You Might Like This... Pros & Cons of The Under Armour Clutchfit Pros Very durable yet light. Especially comfortable on the inside. They boost speed. Very reasonable price. Even though they’re relatively cheap, they bring extra features as lightweight and cushioned collar inside. Lace-up for closure. Cons The size is too narrow compared to other shoes, you’ll need to ask for a size up to actually fit your kid’s regular size. Toes are too pointy and won’t stretch because of the synthetic material.

6. PUMA One Chrome Jr

From now on we enter a spectrum of specialized shoes that even though can work fine for beginners, they can bring a special boost for a player that already show a differential ability In this case, the One Chrome is uniquely designed to adapt to the foot so it won’t bring inconveniences of any kind for two specific abilities (that are really valuable at soccer) speed and dribbling The most outstanding feature that gives extra security and mobility to the ankle is that they’re protected by a sock called evoKnit This feature is of course integrated into the shoe and provides extra protection at the same time as keeps the joint warm for a better mobility They’re covered by a lightweight and reactive TPU that makes this shoe as adaptive as it can be to the ball contact so it boosts control and dribbling skills as the surface matches the shape of the ball But also boost speed so your kids will enhance their management of the ball while running faster This is definitely a great help when it comes to soccer These shoes are definitely not for a first timer, as they offer the boldness needed for players who already know their abilities a bit, but still haven’t determined a position and need to develop a better general performance

Finally, the stud design offers a special grid that, when conjoined with the soft microfiber, the lightweight, and the evoKnit, make the One Chromes the perfect soccer cleats for the boldest kids And if that’s not enough, for those who like pretty and shiny things, it’s chromed surface will definitely be an appreciated extra as it makes the shoes look really premium and elegant If You Liked That About It, Then You Might Like This... Pros & Cons of The Puma One Chrome Pros The surface adapts to the ball making it easier to manage it during the game. The studs’ grid and lightweight make them ideal for fast players that need to run faster. The EvoKnit protect the ankle and keep it warm so players can change directions easily with less risk of injury. The chrome surface simply looks stunning. They’re specially made to fit any kind of foot. Cons They’re way much more expensive than the previous models. If the soccer team has rules about shiny shoes that might distract other players, these won’t be an option.

5. Nike Jr. Hypervenom Phelon III

These Nike soccer cleats, which actually comes in two models, offers this cheap version for those looking for quality but need not so many features on it But don’t think the difference is great, as these two models are actually very similar The difference consists in this model being a little bit less cushioning on the outside The original model has some cushioning pods for extra force when shooting, these are just regular surfaced but the rest is pretty much the same But what are those features that make this soccer cleat so ideal for kids? To begin with, they have external dimples that would help any player to improve their passes and shots and being more accurate in general Even though the price is really better than the original version, it also includes other fancy features such as the Nike’s Dynamic Fit collar and the laces placed a bit to the side so the surface for hitting the ball is bigger and smoother Also, the collar protects the ankle and keeps it warm to avoid possible injuries Finally, it counts with the original hybrid stud layout which is a signature feature on Nike’s shoes and guarantees a great grip on the field

They also have excellent traction for moving easily when sprinting, even from a steady position while improving player’s stability Features that will definitely, make your attacker or midfield kid improve as a player If You Liked That About It, Then You Might Like This... Pros & Cons of The Nike Hypervenom Phelon Pros Stud layout improves running and speed skills. The best quality you’ll get for the price. Improves pass and shot accuracy. Cons Only compared to the phantom model, doesn’t have the cushioning pods for more power when shooting.

4. Dream Pairs Kids Lace Up

Even though these shoes are extremely cheap in comparison to the previous positions, it has the 4th place thanks to their incredible features and remarkable quality Probably because the brand is actually new, you’re able to have a pair of shoes that can compete with Adidas or Nike by the same price as the last positions of this list (Diadora and Vizari) They are designed for ultra-comfort thanks to its DP combination sewn in the upper But this not only works to make the foot fit better but also play an important role in the accuracy of passes and shots as well as the feeling of the ball while running Also, the Dream Pairs work excellent for improving speed abilities of your kid in any kind of field because their studs are moulded with soft rubber and have a rotational traction configuration that makes these cleats really manoeuvrable in both soft or dump field Another feature on these cleats that will improve your kid’s speed is their lightweight, which allows your child to move easier and faster But don’t think about delicate when you hear light, as their synthetic materials are quite durable and can last for at least a season, or even longer Finally, the neck is cushioned for a more comfortable moving and

the laces are covered by a flat tongue that allows shoots to be more precise and stronger as the surface for hitting is bigger and without obstacles And when it comes to colors, you can choose from over 32 different options that will definitely suit your boys or girls no matter what their preferences are If You Liked That About It, Then You Might Like This... Pros & Cons of The Dream Pairs Pros Suitable for all kinds of fields. Colour immense variety. High quality at a very low price. Features that can compete with expensive shoes like Adidas or Nike. Cons The sizing can be a little bit tricky as it can be bigger for some feet and narrow for others, depending on the shape of your kid’s foot.

3. Adidas Performance X 17.3

We’re now in the top #3 and we have to admit that these positions are granted for the two giants of the sports, Adidas and Nike Even though these options might not be the most expensive, they’re definitely top quality and include a series of features that can really improve the conditions on any player This specific model is actually an intermediate budget option It’s not as expensive as some other models from this and other brands, but will definitely perform as one of the best Comfort is granted with the Adidas shoes as they are designed with a lining that moulds to your kid’s feet and is flexible enough to move with them Also, they have an ankle collar that keeps the joint warm and protected as well as improves stability These cleats are really lightweight as their surface is extra-thin to improve the feel of the ball while running This makes them really good for sprinting because the lack of weight allows your children to run faster The inconvenience is that this thin surface can also be a little less durable than other models but still make it to the whole season, which seems fair when thinking about the price But when it comes to the game, the rubber sole and the FG studs allows the player with these cleats to run faster with the upper knit for natural movement and stability A really special feature on this model is that they have a zero wear-in time system that allows your kids to put their shoes on and get them out at any moment they want with a single move and without having to tie or untie the laces

Also, this system makes the shoe practically hug the kid’s feet for a game that feels almost like playing with naked feet but with all the protection for accurately shooting If You Liked That About It, Then You Might Like This... Pros & Cons of The Adidas X 17.3 Pros Excellent feel for the ball. Very light for maximum speed. Very comfortable as they hug the foot. Bright and beautiful variety of colours. They are probably the best youth soccer cleats you will find on this list. Cons Not the most durable as the thin upper can be damaged after a season.

2. Nike Youth Hypervenom Phantom III

The original version from Nike back in the 6th position, these shoes are one of the best choices for kids and definitely the best if you or your kid have a preference for the Nike brand This model is specially designed for attackers and midfielders They’re really light and the moulding to the feet is snug, it also includes a Dynamic fit collar that makes the ankle really safe and stable while keeping it warm Though this model is really cool for precise gaming, the sizing gets affected so it’s recommendable to order a size up for your kids so their feet won’t hurt after using them Unlike the cheap version we mentioned before, the Phantom includes foam pods both inside and in the upper to prevent pain from shooting and adding an extra strength to the shoot But they’re also made for dribbling as they have a very sticky sole and the configuration of studs makes traction just right for tactic and agility movements

The lines on the sides, hug the feet in a way that improves stability, which combined with the collar give the precision and traction to move in the most ferocious way Just what your little middle fielder or attackers needs to be a champion If You Liked That About It, Then You Might Like This... Pros & Cons of The Nike Hypervenom Phantom Pros Significantly increased shot power. Stable and agile cleats for creative players. Comfortable to wear. Cons Not as durable as the #1 position. You need to buy a size up or they can be too narrow and hurt your kid’s feet.

1. Adidas Kids Nemeziz Messi 17.3 FG

The cleat that has it all, the Nemeziz Messi doesn’t need so much presentation as the name says it all They’re specially designed for attackers, creative players and central/midfielders. This specialized shoe start improving abilities with the “agility mesh” lining that is signature from the brand and provides an enhanced control when passing and at first touch Besides those improvements, the material on the upper is really thin which makes the shoe very lightweight for faster moves While the fitting is really snug and tight that gives a “barefoot” sensation for maximum control of the ball and accuracy Besides its thin surface, the upper is still more resistant than other similar models like the previous Nike and Pair Dream models Finally, they also provide protection to the ankles with the Dual Lock Collar, a unique technology that locks down your kids ankles for major protection The best part is that even though these are the best Adidas cleats available in the market, they are not as expensive as other less quality model we could find out there, from the same brand and other very well-known ones

If your kids love Messi, then this is your opportunity to make them feel like the real deal! Improve all their skills with durable cleats that will make your kids really proud If You Liked That About It, Then You Might Like This... Pros & Cons of The Adidas Nemezis Pros Great durability even though they’re lightweight. The fit comfortably and with a snug feeling. Excellent feel for the ball thanks to its thin upper. Improves all general skills of players, especially kids. Cons No cons, these cleats really nailed the market!

Final Thoughts

Finally, we have to admit that actually picking the right cleats for your kids is no easy task There’re lots of factors to take into consideration like age, skills, field, size, and others, and in the end, you can still end up with the wrong pair And sometimes you’ll only know when your kid actually plays with the cleats

Nevertheless, doing your best for finding that right pair that will make your toddler, little or big kid really happy is the best way to show them that you really care Pay attention to your kid’s preferences and if you want to go further and find the shoes that can improve their game style, you’ll probably become the favourite parent The truth is that cleats are one of the most important parts of a kid’s soccer uniform as their feet are at the most overuse in this sport Getting wrong cleats can end up in injuries or malformations that can affect a future career or even really hurt them in case of injury That’s why we think it’s really important that you know there are some good and affordable brands while others offer really good features for a bit higher price But that there will always be a pair of cleats that suits your budget and make your children play at their best and really protected Even really recognized brands offer affordable prices in consideration with the durability of their products

Development in Discipline

Remember that sports are very important to any kid’s development and there are lots of attributes such as team-work and discipline that can be learned on the field Also, other values such as friendship and general social interaction can be experienced in an easier way through sports Acquiring a pair of cleats for your kid will also make him/her compromise with the cause and believe in him or herself Be a motivating part of this important step for your kids It’s as simple as going on the internet or to your nearest store and ask for one of the options we recommended here or something that would fulfil the needs of your kids And always remember the #1 priority which is that your children can play safely and comfortably Did you like any of the soccer cleats that are on this list? Or do you want to recommend any other pairs that you think should make the list? Just get involved in the conversation below to let others know what your thoughts are

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ultrasfcb-blog · 6 years

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World Cup 2018: Harry Kane - the making of England & Tottenham striker

World Cup 2018: Harry Kane – the making of England & Tottenham striker

The making of England’s Kane

Club legend. England captain. World Cup Golden Boot winner?

With 108 goals in 153 Premier League games, Harry Kane has firmly established himself as one of the division’s leading strikers.

Now, handed the armband by manager Gareth Southgate, the 24-year-old has set his sights on firing his country to glory on the global stage.

He is already this World Cup’s leading scorer with five goals from two games, and will be the player England look to for inspiration when they face Colombia in the last 16 on Tuesday.

From being rejected by Arsenal and Watford as a youngster to learning his trade on loan in the Football League, the Tottenham player has earned his spot in the limelight.

Those who know him best tell BBC Sport how he did it.

From safe hands to hot-shot striker

Harry Kane with older brother Charlie and, right, with David Beckham and now fiancee Katie Goodland

When a six-year-old Harry Kane arrived for trials with Ridgeway Rovers in 1999, the youth side – who a generation earlier had produced David Beckham – thought they had found themselves a new goalkeeper.

Dave Bricknell, former Ridgeway Rovers coach and now Tottenham scout: “We’re doing a little shooting session, and I ask for a lad who can go in goal.

“This little boy puts his hand up and says: ‘I’ll go in goal.’ We give him some gloves, and he performs heroics – makes some fantastic saves. He’s tipping it round the post, tipping a couple over the bar.

“I’m thinking this is great, we’ve got a goalkeeper. And then this woman came up to me and said he’s better on the pitch.

“We put him on pitch and he smacked goals in left, right and centre. So he ends up being our centre-forward.”

Kane and his Ridgeway Rovers team-mates’ goalscoring exploits were recorded in a notebook

Kane’s prolific form for Ridgeway Rovers and his Waltham Forest district side caught the attention of professional scouts. Arsenal initially snapped up the youngster but decided not to keep him, while Watford also passed up the opportunity to sign Kane.

Trevor Bailey, Kane’s manager at Waltham Forest: “Harry could have done nothing all game, but if that chance came up it was in the onion bag.

“He was always on the move up front. When he got a chance, guaranteed four out of five he was going to score or set someone up.”

Bricknell: “Even when he was six, Harry could hit the ball like a 10 or 11-year-old. He could strike it clean, with both feet, he didn’t worry which side it was coming to him.

“He could see a pass, he could play. He had good touch, but his main attribute was he had major confidence in himself.

“He would score lots of goals, but if it went wide he wouldn’t worry about it – he’d just go and get his next chance and try to score again.

“He had a couple of seasons and the scouts started turning up. Arsenal took a couple of our boys in, and he got signed as an under-nine.”

Alex Welsh, former academy coach at Arsenal: “I first met Harry in the academy and he was a very competent goalkeeper, but his real desire was to score goals.

“I am absolutely convinced that is the reason why he is such a clinical striker – he intuitively knows what the goalkeeper doesn’t like.

“He shoots early when the goalkeeper’s not set, he shoots around players, through legs, all the things a goalkeeper hates.”

Bricknell: “I believe he was second top-scorer at Arsenal behind Benik Afobe, and then for some reason they decided at 11 years of age that they didn’t want him anymore.”

The ‘model student’ with a Beckham Mohican

PE teacher Mark Leadon said Kane was a “real team player” and “wasn’t one to keep the ball if a pass was on”

Kane attended Larkswood Primary Academy before moving to Chingford Foundation School, where he was inevitably the star of the football team. But, as a dedicated student, Kane impressed his teachers across the board.

Mark Leadon, Kane’s PE teacher: “Aged 11 Harry was technically very gifted, with a great first touch, and a very clever player. He always knew where to go, right from an early stage.

“He was also a very good cricketer – he opened the bowling from year seven to 10 and batted at four or five. But he loved football. He was never a prima donna, and he would always put a shift in. Some students think they’re better than others, but not him.

“What came through more than anything else was his determination to succeed. That work ethic was clear. Even as a youngster, you could see he was driven through not just sports but all other subjects.

“He was a model student. He excelled at sport, but any teacher in any subject would not have a bad word about Harry. He was very conscientious. Across the board he was a very dedicated boy.”

Luke Robinson, Kane’s childhood friend and team-mate: “The only thing on his mind was football, and his family were behind him.

“We used to have a laugh, a couple of games of Fifa, but he was always driven. He’d always keep himself to himself.

“He loved David Beckham, he came in with the Mohican, everyone was laughing but he loved it. He loved football, 24/7, he lived and breathed football.

“You get to 15, 16 and you’ve got girls, drinks, partying – you’d see Harry jogging around the park, doing his exercise, playing football, watching football, just studying the whole game.”

‘Gold medallist? He wasn’t even on the podium’

Kane joined Tottenham as an 11-year-old and signed professional terms on his 16th birthday in 2009

It was Tottenham Hotspur who offered Kane hope after his earlier disappointments, but the future England captain was by no means the pick of the bunch for his age group. However, at school level he was already showing the signs of maturity and leadership that have come to the fore in Russia just under a decade later.

Alex Inglethorpe, former Tottenham youth-team coach: “When I joined Spurs as under-18 coach, Harry was 13. Part of my remit was to work with the under-14s, so every Wednesday evening we’d get together.

“I’d like to say he was the gold medallist in the group and we’d all spotted he was going to be the fantastic player, but I’d be lying. He probably wasn’t even on the podium.

“He had a lovely technique – an ability to pass and receive and shoot – but if there was something that endeared him to you it was that he was very, very low maintenance.

“He had a lot of growth to come. He was quietly unassuming and had a desire to improve. He had attributes more around character and technique.”

Leadon: “By Year 11 we managed his time more. Because we knew he was going to sign for Tottenham, we only played him in the big games – County Cup, Essex and London cups.

“We played without him in the Borough Cup, but we got to the final and were going to play our strongest team with Harry.

“He came to us and said he didn’t think it was right, please could he be sub, because the guy in his place had done really well.”

‘An obsession to improve’

Kane’s desire to learn and improve endeared him to the Tottenham academy staff and he signed scholarship terms with the club on his 16th birthday in July 2009.

Inglethorpe: “It became fairly evident when Harry became a scholar he was someone who could finish. He wasn’t great with his head and wasn’t great on his left side, but he was his own best coach.

“He was wonderfully demanding to coach because he always wanted to stay out and do extra.

“It was always ‘come on, five more’ or ‘just a few more finishes’. My role was a very easy one: it was to get the ball out of the bushes and start again.

“We just had to keep giving him opportunities to get good at what he needed – to get better at heading, get better on his left side. That obsession to improve is undoubtedly his greatest strength.

“It was probably around 16 he started having an impact on the youth team. We trusted him to come off the bench and have an impact – anywhere from right wing, number 10, centre-forward, sometimes in midfield.”

Living the loan life

Kane scored five goals during an 18-game loan spell at Leyton Orient in 2011

Having established himself as one of the most important players in Spurs’ Under-18s side, and twice being named on the bench for the first team in cup games, the club’s youth staff, including then under-21 coach Tim Sherwood, decided the next step for Kane was to gain experience on loan. League One Leyton Orient would be the young striker’s first destination.

The 17-year-old was handed his professional debut in January 2011 at Rochdale, coming on for veteran striker Scott McGleish. Kane would score five times in nine starts.

McGleish: “Harry was not like other Premier League players, where you feel they’re going to come in ‘Billy Big Time’. He wanted the experience of learning what I call men’s football.

“He could play the 18s and the 21s, but he wanted to learn – and from the word go he was ready to fight for his place. In training, he was willing to learn from everybody, and even more importantly willing to just knuckle down and work hard.

“You could see in training and subsequently the matches he had ability and a desire to go further, but you’re still looking like a young 17-year-old: very slight, still needing to physically develop, not the quickest but technically excellent.

“He was ready to take the step down, to play in League One where it is a little bit more physical rather than technical.”

Debut disappointment to dazzling at the Den

Kane was named Millwall’s young player of the season

With a spell of first-team football under his belt, Kane was given his chance at Tottenham. The 18-year-old missed a penalty against Hearts on his debut at White Hart Lane, but played six times in the Europa League before Christmas and eventually got off the mark against Shamrock Rovers. Spurs opted to send the teenager out on loan again in January 2012, to Championship strugglers Millwall. Kane’s nine goals helped save Kenny Jackett’s side from relegation.

Former Millwall defender Alan Dunne: “I’ve seen a lot of players come to the Den and freeze, because within five minutes they’re being called names they’ve never heard before and they can’t cope with that pressure.

“But it didn’t faze him – he was a focused lad, he was confident in his ability. It was a challenge to him, and a challenge he rose to.

“Harry realised at Millwall you need to have a little bit of aggression in you, have a little bit of pride and show you want to wear the shirt.”

Sherwood: “I used to watch Harry a lot at Millwall, and it was an intimidating atmosphere. I remember overhearing one of our scouts come and talk to Harry Redknapp – who was Spurs manager at the time – and say: ‘We need to get Harry Kane out of Millwall, it’s no good for him there.’

“I went straight in and said: ‘This is the perfect atmosphere for him. We don’t want him to be in a comfortable environment, we want him to be playing under pressure all of the time.'”

‘An intelligent player – like Sheringham’

Harry Kane and future England team-mate Jamie Vardy on the substitutes’ bench for Leicester during the 2012-13 Championship season

After making his Premier League debut for Tottenham in August 2012, Kane was sent on loan again. The 19-year-old only made three appearances in the top flight for Norwich because of injury, so after a brief spell back at Spurs he joined Championship promotion hopefuls Leicester.

Dunne: “Leicester came to the Den. We were winning 1-0. I remember Kane coming on and I thought, ‘right, this could be trouble’.

“I jogged over for a whisper in his ear. ‘Harry, you go near that ball and I’m gonna smash you…’

“He didn’t really look at me. He didn’t even shrug his shoulders. I kept trying to wind him up and wind him up and I couldn’t get anything from him.”

Kane, and future England team-mate Jamie Vardy, found starts limited at Leicester with Chris Wood and David Nugent Nigel Pearson’s first-choice strike partnership. But that summer he was picked for England’s Under-20 World Cup squad, drawing comparisons with former Tottenham and England forward Teddy Sheringham.

Former England Under-20 coach Peter Taylor: “The impression I got was firstly what a nice boy you are, and secondly that you’re not going to have regrets at the end of your career, because you’re going to give it everything you have to be a player.

“I’ve dealt with League One and League Two players, and you might have to keep reminding them about things. Harry you only had to tell once. He’s a very intelligent player.

“He would enjoy every training session, but only if it had reason. Teddy Sheringham used to be like that. ‘Why are we doing this?’ Harry thought about every session.

“I would be amazed if he didn’t finish every season and say: ‘Right, what did I do well, what could I have done better?'”

Off the mark for Tottenham

Kane scored the first of his 108 Premier League goals for Tottenham in a win over Sunderland in April 2014

After four loan spells in three seasons, Kane spent the entire 2013-14 campaign with Tottenham. But it was not until April, after Andre Villas-Boas had been sacked and replaced by Sherwood, that a 20-year-old Kane was handed his first Premier League start for Spurs, scoring his first top-flight goal in the process against Sunderland and also netting in the following two games against West Brom and Fulham.

Sherwood: “It didn’t feel a gamble at all to give Harry that start. It was almost overdue to be honest.

“Roberto Soldado was in front of him in the team, and nobody wanted Roberto to do well more than me – but every single day in training Harry was outperforming him.

“After probably three weeks, I decided I had to make that change and I had to bring Harry into the team. He didn’t let me down.

“Harry wanted to get the top, and nothing was going to stop him achieving that because of the ability, desire and mentality he possesses.

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“He needed to work on sharpening his feet up around the box, so we spent a lot of time doing sessions where he had to move his feet a little bit quicker, open the space and shoot off both sides.

“But he also had that knack of being aware of players around him, and the intelligence to slide people in. He could see a pass and he could execute it.

“I was the biggest believer Harry Kane ever had, because I used to think he was a mix between Teddy Sheringham and Alan Shearer. It’s a big accolade, but I think it’s the right one.”

‘Now everyone wants to be Harry Kane’

The rest is history in the making… Kane scored 21 top-flight goals the following season – earning his first England call-up in March 2015 – adding 25 and 29 in the next two campaigns to claim successive Premier League Golden Boot awards, and netting 30 times last time out. Five years ago he was sitting on the bench for Leicester in the Championship, now Kane leads his country into the last 16 of the World Cup.

Bricknell: “It didn’t really work out at Norwich or Leicester, but it didn’t affect his confidence. He came back to Spurs, played a couple of games, missed a penalty – some kids would crumble. He’s shown tremendous resolve to get where he is today.”

Inglethorpe: “I’m not a believer in it all being natural. I believe in working talent, and Harry is a working talent. It’s like any skill; if you’re determined to acquire it, you will.

“He is someone who has realised if you want to score a volume of goals, you have to be able to score with right foot, left foot, one on one, outside the box, inside the box, with your head. He’s taught himself to do that – and he’s still as obsessive now as he was then.”

Tottenham and England team-mate Danny Rose: “I see him every day. I get to see how hard he works. It’s going to be very exciting to see the records he’s going to break, not only in this competition but in the Premier League, and he deserves everything he gets.”

Robinson: “We used to play in the playground and everyone wanted to be David Beckham. Now everyone wants to be Harry Kane.”

2018 Fifa World Cup last 16 Venue: Russia Dates: 30 June – 3 July Coverage: Watch live on BBC TV, Red Button and iPlayer, BBC Sport website and app; listen on Radio 5 live; follow text updates online

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Obsessive, unassuming & driven - Kane's rise to England captain

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Club legend. England captain. World Cup Golden Boot winner?

With 108 goals in 153 Premier League games, Harry Kane has firmly established himself as one of the division’s leading strikers.

Now, handed the armband by manager Gareth Southgate, the 24-year-old has set his sights on firing his country to glory on the global stage.

He is already this World Cup’s leading scorer with five goals from two games, and will be the player England look to for inspiration when they face Colombia in the last 16 on Tuesday.

From being rejected by Arsenal and Watford as a youngster to learning his trade on loan in the Football League, the Tottenham player has earned his spot in the limelight.

Those who know him best tell BBC Sport how he did it.

From safe hands to hot-shot striker

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