TALENTED footballer Ben Pattison is ready to focus on cricket in his bid to become a professional sportsman.

The 13-year-old Dyke House Academy student has finished his first year playing for Durham County Cricket Club, as well as shining for Cleveland Schools and Norton Cricket Club.

The recognition he has received for his displays on all three fronts has given him the confidence to kick on. He would love to see his development continue throughout his teenage years.

“When I wear the badge I feel proud and remember where it all started at Seaton Carew aged seven,” said Ben, who is an athlete on Dyke House’s Elite Development Squad.

“It was just a fun day I went to and now I am starting to take cricket more seriously over football because of my success. I would like to be a pro cricketer because I enjoy it more.”

With a ball at his feet he plays for Middlesbrough’s reputable Marton FC and Dyke House, but when he has it in his hands he flourishes even more.

At Dyke House, a Northern Education Trust academy, the Year 9 student has just taken his choices. Geography, history and computer science are all on the agenda and he realises the importance of “sticking in at school for something to fall back on”.

Ben is progressing nicely in the classroom and on the cricket pitch.

For Cleveland Schools he picked up the prestigious Ampleforth Under-13s bowler of the tournament award when he took seven wickets in three matches.

The former Holy Trinity pupil said: “It’s an annual cricket festival involving counties from all over the country, so to win that was great. I am getting a custom B3 bat next week as a prize.”

His Cleveland call came from his displays for Norton, where he played for the Under-13s, Under-15s and men’s fourth team. He was the bowler of the year as the 13s won the league, the Lowry Cup and the Durham Cup.

Ben’s first year with Durham also finished strongly too. He saved his best for last when he took two wickets against Lancashire.

The fast-bowler said: “I took nine wickets overall for Durham, including one four wicket haul against a touring Aussies side at Sacriston. Next year we go national so I am really looking forward to that and I just want to keep improving.”