A HABERDASHERS’ Aske’s Knights Academy student has landed a dream move to FA Cup runners-up Stoke City.

Year 12 pupil Jamar Dobson has signed a two-year contract with the Premier League side and the 17-year-old striker from Downham becomes the sixth student from the Grove Park school to make a career in the professional game in the past three years.

Dobson played for the school’s academy team in the Conference Youth League Premier Division and finished the campaign with 15 goals.

Haberdashers’ head football coach Larry McAvoy and assistant Jamie Day have the job of recruiting talent, either ex-academy players or late developers with good attitudes, and helping them realise their potential.

Mr McAvoy said: “There is no rule in football which says if you are not at a professional club by the age of 16 then you are not going to make it.

“As long as the boys stay focused and have the right mentality and work ethic, they always have a chance.”

Having finished third after beating Rushden & Diamonds 1-0 in their final league game, the Knight Academy players now have an end of season tour to the World Youth Games in Sweden to look forward to.

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