Meet Christopher Atherton, a Schoolboy Who Became the Youngest Senior Footballer in the UK at 13

• Christopher Atherton became the youngest senior footballer to play in the UK at just 13 years and 329 days old
• The youngster came on as a substitute for Northern Ireland club Glenavon and instantly assisted the team's sixth goal
• Atherton broke a 42-year record in the process ending Eamon Collins' record he set in 1980 after appearing for Balckpool at 14

Glenavon FC footballer Christopher Atherton became the youngest ever senior player at 13 years and 329 days old. The schoolboy broke a four-decade record when he came on as a substitute for the Norther Ireland club.

The youngster didn't need a long introduction as he quickly provided an assist for his side's sixth goal in their 6-0 win over Dollingstown in the League Cup.

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Atherton breaks 42-year old record

At 13 years and 329 days, according to the Guardian, Northern Ireland schoolboy became the youngest ever senior footballer, breaking a 42-year-old record in the process. Eamon Collins had owned the record since 1980, after appearing for Blackpool at the age of 14 years and 323 days.

Glenavon manager Gary Hamilton has known Atherton for eight years as his son played with him in the same team. He says he didn't know about the stat.

.I don’t think any of us were aware of [the record] but a tweet went out before kick-off and one of the staff noticed it.

But he got his debut based on his ability and a reward for the way he’s been playing right through the age groups.

Hamilton said that Atherton was brought in to train with the first team and he fit seamlessly into their team.

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We brought him in to train with the first team last year and he never looked out of place. At such a young age to be able to come in and train with men and look so comfortable, all the players have commented how scary that is for a teenager.

Youngest ever player to play in a senior's game

Sports Brief earlier reported on the youngest player footballer to play in an official senior game in Liberia at 11 years old.

He was in action for FC Gar'ou as they thumped Haifa FC 4-1 in match which reportedly had scouts from Europe watching the game.

Eric Godpower Marshall has now beat out the world's youngest footballer record, which was held by Bolivian youngster Mauricio Baldivieso.