Athersley Recreation striker Kai Hancock is on trial at Barnsley FC following his superb start to the season.
The 19-year-old from Grimethorpe, who netted 12 goals in August for the Northern Counties East Premier Division club, was due to spend at least yesterday and today at Oakwell. He is also being looked at by some of Rec’s non-league rivals.
The Reds, who had Worsbrough Bridge’s Brad Kerr on trial two seasons ago, are scouring the local clubs and leagues hoping to pick up a future first team star.
Athersley general manager Pete Goodlad said: “We had Lee Johnson at our club last season for a fans’ meeting and that started a good relationship which has carried on with Paul Heckingbottom taking over.
“It helps that we know some of the academy coaches like Tom Harban who used to play for us. We agreed that if we saw any real talents we would let them know and that’s what we have done with Kai. He’s on fantastic form and hopefully he will show that at Oakwell.
“It’s really good that Barnsley are looking at their own, if they are good enough. They are going back to what they used to do in the old days. “We have a good relationship with them and it’s good that they support local football.”
Athersley did not play this week but are back in action tomorrow. Meanwhile, Penistone Church’s quest to join Rec in the Premier Division has been boosted this week as they have gone top of Division One for the first time in their history.
They gained 3-0 wins at AFC Dronfield on Saturday then at home to Winterton Rangers on Wednesday. Penistone have now won their last five games in all competitions, all by at least three goals, and have six victories and a draw from them their seven league games which leaves them on 19 out of a possible 21 points.
Unbeaten Church are top on goal difference but have played several games fewer than those below them.
