ALFIE’S SO KEEN TO DO HIS MUM PROUD
WALSALL starlet Alfie Bates made a promise to his mum before she tragically passed away from cancer when he was just 15 years old – he would make it as a professional footballer.
Last month that vow became a reality when the 17-year-old Saddlers midfielder turned out for the club in the 3-1 victory against Middlesbrough U21s in the Checkatrade Trophy.
His debut had been a long time coming after training with the first team for most of the season, and Bates said he only had one person in his mind as he ran onto the Bescot Stadium turf.
“It was really good to make my debut and I know my mum would be really proud,” he said.
“My mum used to take me to football when I was little. When she was very ill, before she passed away, I told her that I was going to be a professional footballer, whatever it takes. That’s what drives me on every day.”
Bates was on the books at Birmingham before joining Walsall and after getting his first taste of senior football, he is determined to continue his rise through the professional ranks.
“I want to establish myself as a League One pro and then play at the highest level I can,” he said.
“I am still on a scholarship, so not signed a pro contract yet but hopefully I will be able to do that.
“Players are usually offered their first pro contracts at the end of their second year so hopefully I can earn that by the end of this season.”
A boyhood Coventry fan, Bates had trials with the Sky Blues’ academy before being taken on by Birmingham City – and he believes he is only going to get better with age.
“I was always quite small as a kid and my height has been an issue for some people,” he said. “I am only 5ft 7ins now but I am filling out a bit.”