James Burrows was one of 150 players from across the country who took part in trials for the under-19s team.

He saw off competition from players from bigger clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur and Sheffield Wednesday to make it into the 23-man squad.

James, who has played for the Poppies under-16s and under-18s teams, will start a full-time programme which includes training five days a week and education courses, like coaching.

James said: "I was really happy when I found out I'd got a place and I'm looking forward to starting training.

"The coaches have Uefa B badges, which is one of the top qualifications.

"The idea is that they will be training us to become professional football players and to get us into Kettering Town's first team.

"I would also like to be a goalkeeper coach so this also gives me the option of doing that."

James was recently presented with a loyalty award from Kettering Town FC for being the longest-serving player and for turning down opportunities to play elsewhere.

He was one of three goalkeepers selected for the under-19s youth team.

The criteria for entering included having a certain number of GCSEs at grade C.