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Coventry-mad Dexter recreates stadium in Minecraft

Josh Sandiford
BBC News, West Midlands
Family Dexter at a computer playing Minecraft. He is playing on a keyboard and mouse and there is a cube style toy next to him. He is wearing a football jersey. Family
There's only one thing Dexter loves more than Minecraft - Coventry City Football Club

"The biggest problem ended up being the West Stand, with the balcony and oddly shaped corners."

Dexter, a Minecraft fan and football fanatic, has probably got more patience than most 14-year-olds.

After spending three months recreating the ground of Coventry City FC inside the game, he is still putting on the finishing touches.

And as the Sky Blues face the tricky second leg of their Championship play-off semi-final today, they might take some inspiration from the youngster when it comes to creative build-up.

See some of Dexter's Coventry creations including the Sky Blues' stadium

Since its test release in 2009, Minecraft has grown to become the biggest-selling computer game of all time.

The game is set in an "open world", allowing players to create almost anything imaginable out of blocks, including, in one case, the entirety of London.

For Dexter, it allows him to showcase his home city - and beloved Sky Blues' CBS Arena - to people around the world.

"[The game] is a complete sandbox and I can do whatever I like," he said. "There's no limit to it, really."

Family Dexeter with former Coventry player Gustavo Hamer. The youngster is on the right wearing a blue coat and Gustavo is wearing a grey and black tracksuit. Family
Dexeter with former Coventry player Gustavo Hamer in March 2022

Eventually, the Year 9 pupil wants to create the entire city of Coventry, but it is a task that is likely to take some time.

He does not just spend hours building, there's also research using Google Maps to perfect the finer details.

"It will probably end up being street by street," Dexter explained. "I love my city and I know my way around it.

"It's a good town with passionate people for the city. I think it's got a bad reputation, but it's a nice city."

Family Dexeter with his mum, dad and sister. She is holding a small yellow ball. They are on holiday together. The sun is setting on an ocean behind them. Family
Dexeter with his family, who say they are not sure where he gets his Minecraft skills from

Dexter's mother Gemma said she used to play with Lego as a child but insisted that is where the similarities ended.

She praised her son's mathematical and analytical mind but added: "I have no idea where he gets it from. I don't think I'd have the same level of patience."

Family Dexter with his sister Sophia at Coventry City's play off final at Wembley in London. They are a tube station, both wearing Coventry City shirts. They are holding either side of a Coventry City scarf. There is an iconic London Underground train behind them. Family
Dexter with his sister Sophia at Coventry City's play off final at Wembley in London

Dexter said he was interested in becoming a football coach or a pilot in the future, two professions which he joked also required a lot of patience.

For now, though, all he's waiting to find out is whether Coventry can move one step closer to Premier League football next season.

They head to the Stadium of Light needing to overcome a one-goal deficit, having lost 2-1 in the first leg at home.

"I'm feeling a bit nervous for it," Dexter added. "I'm just hoping we can get two goals."

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