A young footballer, who has played for Ross-on-Wye, has been tipped for the top by his coach who told the Ross Gazette that he could be the most promising player he has come across in 26 years.

Sam Jones of Rowlestone, Herefordshire attends The Pre Academy run by footballing brother’s, Julian and Jeff Seymour. The experienced coaches, who have run their academy for 26 years, have been so impressed with the youngsters’ progression that he has been moved up two age groups into a very promising U13s squad after consultation with his parents.

Sam, who is under 11, has the body strength and mentality to play up with older players and Julian said: “He handles it with great mental and physical strength, he is a rare tremendous prospect.”

The brothers should know with the likes of Gwion Edwards (Ipswich) Keiron Morris (Walsall) Tim Ford (Spurs) Stewart Fleetwood (Hereford United) and Jamie Taylor (Bristol City) and many more full time professionals who have been produced from the Academy.

Several league clubs have shown an interest in Sam in recent weeks but committed parents, Colin and Alison, have put Julian and Jeff in charge of his future football and they will map out all club visits as the brothers are fully aware of the pressures Academies can put, not just on the player but on the whole family, which can lead to future problems.

Sam is currently in the last year of primary school and he trains three times a week which will increase to four times in October, said Julian.See the full story in this week’s edition of the Ross Gazette, or subscribe to our online edition here