BBC · Jun 4, 2025
Two paths, one dream - how to reach the Premier League
Image caption, Sunderland and Northern Ireland team-mates Daniel Ballard and Trai Hume both had very different routes to the Premier LeagueAfter years of hard work, Daniel Ballard and Trai Hume are set to become Premier League players in August.
The Northern Ireland team-mates played a key role as Sunderland ended their six-year hiatus from the top flight with a dramatic Championship play-off win at Wembley.
Playing in the Premier League is a life-long goal for both players, but both arrived at their current point through very different means.
Defender Ballard came through the 'traditional' path, by working his way through Arsenal's academy.