We're planning for the future now we know Carlos can stay.

Byline: By Nikhita Mahajan

During their time, they've had some terrific wins.

But members of Wallsend Boys Club are celebrating clinching one of their finest victories.

The club's Colombian coach Carlos Gonzalez has won his fight to stay in Britain.

The 25-year-old asylum seeker, who works voluntarily at the club, received the go-ahead following a glowing reference from his boss.

Carlos said: "I cannot even begin to express how happy I am.

"I was not at home so my mother had to break the news to me. When she told me, I could not believe it.

"I feel as though I have been given a new lease of life."

After an agonising four week-wait, Carlos, who fled his native country after being forced to fight in the civil war, can now start planning a new life in Kingsmere, Walker, with girlfriend Sarah Boyd.

English teacher Sarah, 27, was also ecstatic after hearing the news.

She said: "I'm elated. I cannot believe it.

"This means Carlos can go to university. He can keep his job. And we can do things like plan a holiday for the future."

Carlos's mother Teresita who, along with his sisters Angelica, 21, and Daniella, five, were already given permission to stay, saw the letter first.

But as she does not speak much English, she could not understand what was written.

She had to take the letter to her youngest daughter's school to get someone to confirm what she had been praying for.

A tearful Teresita said: "I could not stop smiling. I still can't. I am so happy. I am grateful to God for everything."

Carlos and his family fled to the North East five years ago, after living in London for a year.

Along with working in restaurants and learning English, he studied a sports and exercise course, where he was introduced to Wallsend Boys Club leader Garry Marshall who spotted Carlos's potential.

Since then, he has worked 20 hours a week at the football factory, whose products include Toon legend Peter Beardsley and Newcastle United skipper Alan Shearer.

The rest of Carlos's time is spent at college where he studies biology, sports science and psychology. He hopes to use his experiences to become a professional football coach.

It was the character reference written by Garry that Carlos believes swung the case.

Garry, who Carlos considers a mentor, said: "This is absolutely brilliant news. We have been able to help Carlos, who we supported the whole time.

"Through Wallsend Boys Club, he has become a part of the community. And an important part, which is why we are so happy he is staying."

Despite remaining positive during the wait, Carlos feared he might have had to face the same fate that became of his friend John Reyes.

John, who was also from Colombia, was sent back from South Shields two years ago.

Carlos said: "The last I heard, people had tried to kill him and he escaped to Venezuela where he is seeking asylum."

The Home Office has two weeks in which to appeal against the decision but Carlos is upbeat.

He said: "Everyone has been so great and I would also like to thank the Chronicle for its on-going support."