Thamesmead footy hopeful lands place

4:38pm Wednesday 29th August 2007

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A YOUNG footballer from Thamesmead has secured a place at the prestigious FootballCV academy, which opens its doors for the first time in September.

James Leyden, 17, was chosen from hundreds of hopefuls for the academy, which is the first of its kind in the world.

Based at Rushden & Diamonds' Nene Park ground, the academy will be an independent residential football academy dedicated to the footballing and educational needs of its students.

Leyden will be given the chance to take part in a number of friendlies against Premiership and Football League clubs in addition to daily training programmes.

The budding left-back will also compete in the Football Conference Youth League against the likes of Birmingham City and Wycombe Wanderers.

After training, Leyden will head to the classroom with the rest of the team to continue a comprehensive football education with seminars, workshops, visits to football games, and guest speakers including some of the biggest names in the game.

The young prospect said: "It's a dream of mine to become a professional footballer and play for a Premier League side just like my hero Roy Keane.

"The FootballCV Academy is a great opportunity for me to make that dream come true and I'm really excited and looking forward to the start of training in September."

To follow Leyden's progress, visit footballcvacademy.com