Paul Atkins, from the Easton College, played for Norwich's Under-19s in November 2003. It was hoped that the young striker would be eligibe for Norwich's FA Youth Cup campaign but he had already played for Dereham in the same campaign. He played again in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on 13th December 2003.

Paul trialled for Cambridge United's reserves and youth team in February 2004. He played again for them during the 2005 pre-season and was rewarded with a one year professional contract.

Having made 8 appearances for United in the Conference, Kings Lynn admitted watching Paul in February 2006 with a view to signing Paul as a replacement for Danny Bloomfield. Instead Paul returned to Norwich on 9th February to join Norwich United on loan. He has since returned to the Abbey Stadium but was released by Rob Newman at the beginning of April along with three other youngsters. Along with Nick Robbins, also released by Cambridge, Paul signed for Norwich United the following day. On 19th April 2006, he was in their side that narrowly lost the Norfolk Senior Cup final 1-0 to Robert Taylor's Dereham on 19th April 2006.

Kings Lynn manager Tommy Taylor revealed in June 2006 that Paul had been invited to spend pre-season training with the Linnets. Impressing, he signed Southern League forms with the Linnets at the end of June.

Paul returned to the Ridgeons League in September 2006 signing for Haverhill. Soon after, he switched to Dereham. He moved to Ridgeons League champions Wroxham on 13th June 2007. He returned to Norwich United signing for them in the first half of September 2007