Jude Bellingham, England’s Stourbridge-born football hero, took time out of his rigorous schedule to meet with young athletes at a local football academy.

On Wednesday, September 13, at the McDonald’s fun football sessions hosted by the Kixx Stourbridge football academy on the Lea Vale playing fields in Norton, Real Madrid midfielder Jude, who previously played for Stourbridge Juniors before joining Birmingham City as a young player, met with young players and their families.

Jude Bellingham attended a McDonald's Fun Football event presented by Kixx Stourbridge Football Academy.

After three years with German club Borussia Dortmund, Bellingham signed a contract with Real Madrid in June and swiftly climbed to prominence. He scored the first goal in England's dramatic opening match against Iran at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

Later, his remarkable performances won him a transfer to Real Madrid, where he hopes to play among some of football's greatest players of all time.

As part of his profession, he returned to his hometown, where a large mural on the side of the Rye market shopping mall commemorates his achievements

Kixx Stourbridge wrote on their Facebook page about the event, "Wow! What a great experience!

Jude Bellingham came to Stourbridge to participate in a fun football game for youngsters as part of the local McDonald's fun football program, which starts this weekend.

"He even met several of our Kixx superstars. I'm not sure whether the coaches or a couple of the parents were more excited than the children!

"How gracious he was, making time for everyone in what must have been an extremely hectic schedule."

Archie-James Smith, a Hob Green Primary School pupil, was one of the young athletes who got to meet the football legend.

The six-year-old from Amblecote, who is infatuated with football, was overjoyed to meet his idol.

Jude Bellingham is an ambassador for McDonald's Fun Football project (McDonald handout).