A SEVEN-YEAR-OLD football star from Wolverley has made his dad's dream come true after he was signed to play for Birmingham City.

Maxwell Hawkes, who attends Cookley Sebright Primary School, signed a contract with the Blues under-nines team during a special ceremony at St Andrew's Stadium on Wednesday, April 14.

It was a proud moment for young Maxwell, who has been kicking a ball ever since he could walk - but even more so for dad Steve, a die-hard Birmingham City fan, who was just as excited as his son to meet the first team players and manager Lee Bowyer at the event.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Maxwell Hawkes has been playing football for grassroots teams since the age of fourMaxwell Hawkes has been playing football for grassroots teams since the age of four

Maxwell was scouted by Aston Villa, West Bromwich Albion and Shrewsbury Town while playing for his grassroots teams Kidderminster Lions and Chaddesley Ravens, but chose to play for his family's club - much to the delight of his dad and grandad.

Dad Steve said: "With me being a Birmingham City fan, it literally is a dream come true for myself as well as Maxwell. He's worked so hard for this, practices everyday and just loves playing football.

"Maxwell has been playing football pretty much since he could walk. His brother Fletcher plays for Shrewsbury Town, they’re so competitive with each other. It’s been that way from day one.

"He started showing a real natural talent for football when he was about four years old. I'll never forget it - he was playing for a local team and they won 8-4, and he scored all eight goals.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Maxwell and his family during a special contract signing ceremony at St Andrew'sMaxwell and his family during a special contract signing ceremony at St Andrew's

"A Villa scout was there that day and asked me when he was going to be six and I had to tell him, he's not even five yet!"

Maxwell on the other hand is a Tottenham Hotspur fan, owing to Harry Kane being his ultimate football hero.

The youngster has already enjoyed matches against Chelsea, Oxford, Cambridge and Liverpool, but is most looking forward to going up against Tottenham's youth team next week.

Dad Steve added: "We would like to thank his coaches Matt Goodyear, Richard Ash and Dan Weston for their fantastic sessions that have helped him progress."