Talented Soccer Star 2012 - Raheem Sterling, English footballer

Raheem Shaquille Sterling (born 8 December 1994) is an English footballer who plays for Premier League club Liverpool and the English national team mainly as a winger. He began his youth career at Queens Park Rangers before signing for Liverpool in 2010. Sterling made his Premier League debut in the 2011–12 season. He represented England at under-16, under-17, under-19 and under-21 level before being capped at full level by the national side for the first time in November 2012.

Sterling grew up in the Maverley area of Kingston, Jamaica and was raised by his grandmother. At the age of five Sterling emigrated to London, England with his mother. Once arrived, he attended Copland High School in Wembley, North West London.

Soccer Star - Nick Powell, English professional footballer

 

Nicholas Edward "Nick" Powell (born 23 March 1994) is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Manchester United. He has also represented England at a variety of youth levels, most recently as part of the Under-19 team. He began his career at Crewe Alexandra, initially as a forward, making his debut at the age of 16. After impressing for the Cheshire team during the 2011–12 season, including scoring in their 2–0 victory in the League Two play-off Final, he sealed a move to Manchester United in the summer of 2012.

Powell joined Manchester United from Crewe Alexandra on 1 July 2012 in a deal reported to be worth up to £6 million, depending on success and appearances. He was allocated the number 25 shirt previously worn by Antonio Valencia, who took the number 7 shirt. It is also the same shirt number that he had worn at Crewe. Speaking about the signing, manager Sir Alex Ferguson stated: "We have scouted Nick for months now. He is an exceptional talent and has been schooled well at Crewe. I’m delighted he has chosen to come to United. He has a lot to offer and we are all looking forward to working with him." After the move was finalised, Powell called it a "dream come true". 

On 21 July 2012, Powell played his first match for United, coming on as a second-half substitute in a pre-season friendly against Ajax Cape Town in South Africa. Four days later, he made his first start for Manchester United in a pre-season friendly match against Shanghai Shenhua. He made his Premier League debut against Wigan Athletic, coming on as a substitute for Ryan Giggs in the 71st minute, and scoring in the 82nd.