The former Earlston High School pupil, 16, is currently back in the Borders during the off season – and he took the time to visit his ex-club as a special guest during the week.
Having previously represented Scotland at youth-age level, the now England under-17 international made the move down south to the Premier League giants last year in September 2025. He was previously part of Hibs’ youth-set up since he was ten, having previously been a youngster at popular community club Melrose.
And Vickery – who is a regular for the Citizens under-18s side – was happy to field questions, pose for pictures and show the young Melrose stars what they can aspire to.
Man City and England stopper returns to Melrose
He told the Southern Reporter: “It was nice to be back. I’ve not made a big name for myself yet… but hopefully that is coming at some point. I am now an international player and I think it is great that the kids at Melrose can see what they can aspire to also.
“When I was at the club, as a nine-year-old, it was mainly parents coaching kids and you’d maybe have one or two coaches kicking around. Now the club is massive in the community and it has grown so much.”
Vickery added: “Melrose are an example to others, that’s for sure. They did so much for me. I used to play rugby for Melrose too. So I know all about sport in the area!”
The stopper has enjoyed a fine season with City having played regularly in the U18 Premier League. He has also made his competitive England debut at under-18 level having kept a clean sheet against Estonia back in March during a UEFA European Championship qualifier.
“It's been really good,” Vickery explained. “It's been different too. I've been playing games, making friends for life too. It's really good going to different countries with City and with England.
"I'm proud to be able to have played for two different countries as well having been with the Scotland under-16s previously. All my mates up here support Scotland, all my mates down there support England, so I've got something to talk about with both of them.
"The game against Estonia was interesting. We actually went down to ten men really early on but managed to win 2-0 in the end. We had to defend for our lives. It was probably good for me as a goalkeeper because I had to make saves.”
Melrose kids can follow in my footsteps, says star
The former Melrose youngster was also delighted to see so many talented goalkeepers on show when he helped lead a couple of training sessions.
He said: “I'd like to say I've influenced that! There were really some talented players. It's nice to see youngsters playing in goal as well, boys and girls. It never used to be as big in general around here.
"When I was younger, it was more just rugby, but it's really nice to see people wanting to not only football but in goal. Back in the day it was usually the goalie was the one who was last to say they didn’t want to go in. A few of them turned up with their gloves which was brilliant!”
Manchester City ace Ben Vickery was on hand to pose for pictures and inspire those Melrose youngsters following in his footsteps
1. Man City star Ben Vickery enjoys return visit to Melrose
Manchester City ace Ben Vickery was on hand to pose for pictures and inspire those Melrose youngsters following in his footsteps Photo: (Photo: Submitted)
Former Melrose stopper Ben Vickery was delighted to see so many youngsters interested in playing in goal
2. Man City star Ben Vickery enjoys return visit to Melrose
Former Melrose stopper Ben Vickery was delighted to see so many youngsters interested in playing in goal Photo: (Photo: Submitted)
Manchester City goalkeeper Ben Vickery returned to his former club Melrose to deliver some coaching sessions last week
3. Man City star Ben Vickery enjoys return visit to Melrose
Manchester City goalkeeper Ben Vickery returned to his former club Melrose to deliver some coaching sessions last week Photo: (Photo: Submitted)
Former Melrose stopper Ben Vickery was able to tell the kids about his experiences this season with Man City and the England under-18 set-up
4. Man City star Ben Vickery enjoys return visit to Melrose
Former Melrose stopper Ben Vickery was able to tell the kids about his experiences this season with Man City and the England under-18 set-up Photo: (Photo: Submitted)