A FORMER team-mate of Kobbie Mainoo is living his dream after being accepted into Oxford University.
Daniel Mayers-Jones shared the pitch with the Manchester United star during his time as a youth footballer.
The former goalkeeper has gone a very different way in life to Mainoo.
Mayers-Jones, 18, will not be in the Premier League but will be at one of the top universities in England.
Oxford University accepted him to study chemistry at the prestigious Lincoln College in September.
He earned his spot with A Level in maths, business, and chemistry.
He said: “I am thrilled to be attending Oxford University, it was a rigorous process, but I have the grades I need and can’t wait to get started.
“I had three interviews online, so I didn’t get a chance to experience the city and the university in person, but from a computer screen here in North Wales!
“I have been down since and it’s amazing, so I’m looking forward to it.”
Mayers-Jones spent a week’s work placement at biopharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca and is now determined to make a career for himself in the field.
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He has admitted that he does not know how he swapped his kit for a lab coat but suggested experiments could be one reason.
He added: “I’m not sure how I went from football to chemistry, I think it was the love of experiments and science.
“I started to really enjoy the subject after the pandemic towards the end of high school, as I had struggled with it a little beforehand.
“I worked even harder to get myself up to speed and got better and better until I realised it was interesting and an area I could succeed in long-term.”
Mainoo, however, has gone on to become one of the top prospects in England’s top-flight.
Since breaking into Man United’s first team, the 19-yrear-old has solidified himself as one of the most important players on the side.
The midfielder has also gained international recognition and impressed for England at Euro 2024.
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