Footballer : Michael Grinion

Michael Grinion, 17, from the Meadows, plays for the Meadows Colts. He wants to be the next Jermaine Pennant.

My Meadows - Footballer : Michael Grinion

I used to play for Eastwood and Hucknall Town and I’ve had trials at Notts County and Derby County when I was younger. I’ve also got trials coming up with Coventry and Scunthorpe.

I like football so much because it helps to keep my body in shape and every time we win I get a buzz.

Michael with just a few of his trophies

I play centre forward and I’m pretty good at scoring goals. I didn’t get top goal scorer this season. I got 38 but the top one only got about five more.

Meadows Colts have done really well this season, we won the league and one cup.

My favourite players are Ronaldo, Zidane, Figo and Carlos, mostly Brazilians, because they’re so skilful and strong, Ronaldo in particular. I support Manchester United and Brazil.

I’m really hoping to get into a professional team. I’d like to start off in their youth academy, then move on to be a first team player and try to make some money out of the game.

Winning the league with Meadows Colts and playing with County for a bit are my best achievements so far.

I’ve been inspired by my brother in law who taught me to play football and my idol is Ronaldo, because he’s so strong, fast and scores a lot of goals.

My cousin is Jermaine Pennant (also from The Meadows). Him doing so well has also made me think I can do it, although I don’t think I’ll ever be as good as him.

Playing football really makes me happy, when I’m playing I’m in the zone and I just want to win.

I really want to win for the Meadows as well because not many people think very much of the Meadows. So when we do win stuff with the Meadows Colts it kind of rubs that in their face, so I really like winning.