Sanchez

Since his signing with Leeds United Academy, Sanchez's career path has not been so smooth, and his footballing future hangs in the balance.

Still living at the family home in Chapeltown, a suburb of Leeds, Sanchez is very close to both his Mum and Dad, even though they are no longer together. He’s always had immense pride in where he comes from, and still hangs out with the same group of friends he’s had since he was small – some of whom are experiencing their own success in professional football.

We’ve seen you aged seven and 14 – but where are you now?

"I am 21 and enjoying the early years of adulthood. I am playing football and involved in many other projects. I am still living in Leeds and have an amazing network of close friends and family. I am loving life and believe that I am living it to the full."

Are you following the path you imagined for yourself when you were those ages?

"Not exactly. My thoughts at 14 were that my life would be fully focused around football, and only football, and that it would be this way until the end of my career. Although it is still my main passion, I have been hit with the reality of how harsh the sporting world can be. Due to opinions, politics and injuries my career has been rocky. But this was a blessing in disguise because I have since ventured into many other paths, including hosting, modelling, charity work, and other projects within my community. These projects brought me the honour of receiving the 'Leeds Black Award' for young contribution to the community. I thought I had to be famous and rich before I could follow my other passions, but I have since realised this is not the case."

How have your relationships changed?

"I am lucky enough to say I have the same faces surrounding me. My friends are still those from when I was 14 - with a few additions - but we have all stayed close and are as tight as ever. I have now experienced having girlfriends, although at seven I already thought of myself as a ladies' man. It is a big change when you discover the opposite sex, as you find emotions that you have never felt before. Love and lust and giving yourself to someone whilst knowing they are doing the same is a massive experience which becomes a big part of your life.

"My family has grown and I now have more siblings, which to us just means more people to love. Our family is very close and I still have a brilliant relationship with my parents, and with my brothers and sisters. I am the oldest brother and am looking forward to filling the role of the 'cool big brother'."

Looking back to those ages, what advice would you give yourself?

"At seven I would tell myself to continue to have fun and enjoy life. The stories that I hear of my childhood are that I was very entertaining, confident and always happy. I can't imagine a better way to be at seven - carefree and happy.

"At 14 I would tell myself to continue as I was generally, but also to let myself know that the real world is hard, and that sometimes, by being a good person, you can end up hurting yourself. There have been many times in my life and my career that being nice, loyal, or expecting certain things from people have backfired and left me confused and disappointed. Preparing my younger self is something I would do, not to alter my approach, but to make it easier to understand and to deal with the outcome."

Where should we expect to find you when Up New Generation returns in seven years' time?

"I believe that everything happens for a reason and that the future is truly in our hands. Since living by this belief, I take every day like it's my last and think that by the age of 28, I will have some amazing stories to tell and experiences to share.

"I would love to say I will be well into a prosperous football career, with many successful businesses on the go. I would also like to have started to put my print on the world. I want my charity work and community projects to be well up and running. And certainly would like a few little prince and princess Sanchezes running around with a lovely lady by my side. Family is a big part of me and to have my own would be my biggest success."