York youngster Chris Kamara is Premiership table-toppers Leeds United's newest recruit.

The 15-year-old son of former York City and Scarborough full-back Alan Kamara has been snapped up by manager David O'Leary on a "dream" five-year deal.

Kamara will officially sign for United in front of the Elland Road faithful when Leeds tackle Aston Villa on January 3.

The Millthorpe School pupil, who is currently studying for his GCSEs, was previously with Nationwide League first division club Nottingham Forest.

But after appearing for England Under-15s in all three matches in the adidas Victory Shield earlier this season, a posse of leading clubs were alerted to the talented defender.

Right-back Kamara played in the first two matches in the series, a 2-1 win over Northern Ireland at York City's Bootham Crescent ground, and a 3-1 success against Wales at Chester City's Deva Stadium, and made a substitute appearance in the 2-1 win over Scotland at Queen of the South's ground in Dumfries.

A delighted Kamara, who turns 16 in February, admitted the fact Leeds are renowned for their thriving youth system had played a part in his decision to switch from Forest to United.

But geography too was an important factor in a deal that has earned him a one-year YTS contract followed by four-year professional terms.

"I am happy to be living closer to home because it means I am closer to my family," he said. "I will miss the lads at Forest but that is all part of football, learning to live with the ups and downs."

After completing his GCSEs, Kamara will continue his education alongside his burgeoning football career by studying for his A-levels at Boston Spa Sixth Form.

Co-incidentally, Kamara will enjoy a Leeds link up with Tadcaster Grammar School's Matthew Kilgallon, who is also on United's books, renewing a friendship first formed when the pair trained at York City while still at primary school.

York's other representative in the England U15 squad, midfielder Andrew Haskins, a Canon Lee School pupil, remains at Forest.

Chris Kamara presents trophies to karate students

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Young footballer Chris Kamara enjoyed his first taste of soccer stardom when he was guest of honour at the end of year belt grading for students of the Barbican and Ebor Karate Club.

Kamara presented trophies to students, assessed on their technical, physical and mental abilities, in the following categories: Best overall boy, Matthew Woodridge; Best overall girl, Lucinda Frost; Best kumite (set fighting), Nicholas Price; Best kata (set forms), Christopher Loft.

Chief instructor Rob Loft will be starting the new Millennium with a beginners' karate course for children and adults. For details telephone 01904 788078.

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