Mike Atkinson


Michael Thomas Atkinson is an Belizean footballer who plays for side North Leigh, where he plays as a defender. He also plays for the Belize national team.

Early life

Atkinson was born in York, North Yorkshire and attended Archbishop Holgate's School.

Playing career

York City

He played for York Schoolboys before joining York City's youth system. In March 2013, he joined Northern Premier League Division One North club Farsley on loan, making his debut on 30 March when starting a 2–1 away win over Ramsbottom United. He finished the loan with two appearances.
Atkinson signed a one-year professional contract with York in June 2013. His first and only involvement with the first team came as an unused substitute in a 0–0 home draw with Hartlepool United on 17 August 2013. He joined Northern League Division Two club Northallerton Town in September 2013 on a one-month loan. He made only one appearance, starting in a 4–2 home defeat to Chester-le-Street Town on 28 September 2013, and York manager Nigel Worthington wanted to loan him to a club in a higher division.

Scarborough Athletic

Atkinson joined Northern Premier League Division One South club Scarborough Athletic on 8 November 2013 on a short-term loan, signing permanently on 19 December after being released by York. He pursued a career as a physical training instructor in the Royal Air Force, starting the joining process in 2014, and has played for the RAF football team.

Oxford City

Atkinson signed for National League South club Oxford City in July 2018 after a successful trial.

International career

Atkinson is eligible to represent Belize at international level through his mother and received his first call-up for the Belize national team when being named in their squad for the 2017 Copa Centroamericana. He made his debut as a 59th-minute substitute in a 3–0 defeat to Costa Rica on 15 January 2017. He made his first start two days later in Belize's 3–1 loss to El Salvador, in which he was substituted on 47 minutes. Atkinson finished the 2017 Copa Centroamericana with two appearances as Belize were eliminated after finishing bottom in the standings.

Style of play

Atkinson plays as a right back or midfielder.

Career statistics

Club

International