FOOTBALL-MAD Alan Toward faces a future barred from the sport he loves because of his huge feet.

The 14-year-old, from Middleton-in-Teesdale, near Barn-ard Castle, has massive size 17 feet and is unable to find football boots that he can wear to play for his local team.

The 6ft 2in Teesdale School student orders his shoes and trainers from a specialist dealer in the US, but can- not get hold of football boots that will fit him.

After a number of unsuccessful letters to sports stores and to his favourite team, Manchester United, for help, Alan has drawn a blank.

Despite training every week with the Barnard Castle Under-14s team, he is unable to play in matches in the Teesside Junior Football Alliance because rules state that players must wear boots, not trainers. His team were promoted last season, and manager Richard Lawson says he would love for Alan to be able to play.

He said: "Because of his size, he could play anywhere on the pitch really. It would be great if he could play and we could utilise his strengths.

"He is a great lad and a canny footballer and I know all the other lads in the team want him to play.

"Every week at training he asks if we have managed to get him some boots sorted out.

"Alan plays rugby for his school team too, so he could do with some boots for that as well. There must be some retired sportsman who does not need their boots any more."

Mr Lawson said Alan may even need size 18 boots because he will have to wear thick football socks when playing matches.

Alan, who also plays cricket, said: "I gave up sport for a while because I got so down about not being able to find the right boots.

"But Richard, the manager, wanted me to come along to training to see what I could do.

"I go along to watch a few of the matches my team play, but it is quite frustrating just standing at the sides. It is not enjoyable."

Alan, whose feet are still growing, added: "I think they could do with me on the pitch because we are not the biggest team, and in the league we are in now there are quite a few tall lads."

Alan's mother, Mary Elliott, said: "When he plays cricket, they let him play in white trainers, but he needs boots for football and rugby.

"It would be a great Christmas present if we could find some boots for him."

Anyone who can help is asked to call The Northern Echo on 01325-505068.