Student Mike Whitehead could be one to watch in the future after being named Bury Schoolboy Footballer of the Year.

The 16-year-old Prestwich Arts College pupil is the latest winner of the Wilf Ainscow “Ranger” Trophy, which is awarded by the Rotary Club of Bury.

He was chosen by the Bury Metro Schools Football Association and follows in the footsteps of some prestigious winners.

Mike has assumed the title from Tommy Toth – the only schoolboy ever to win it twice, who went on to sign for Bury FC last season.

Phil Emmott, secretary of the Rotary Club of Bury, said: “As someone who played twice at Wembley (gaining two Oxford University Soccer Blues) it gives me enormous pleasure to acknowledge Mike’s sporting talents and achievements. “I can not envisage a more worthy recipient of this trophy.

“At the age of nine, Mike was scouted for Manchester United and subsequently for Oldham Athletic. He has also played for a number of football clubs in the Bury league and is a very keen, all-round sportsman.” The trophy is presented in memory of Wilf Ainscow, a long serving member and past president of the Rotary Club of Bury who was part owner and editor of the Bury Times and covered Bury FC as a sports reporter under the pen-name of “Ranger”.