A 14-YEAR-old boy has moved a step closer to fulfilling his dream to be a Premier League footballer after netting a scholarship with Leeds United.

Thirsk School and Sixth Form College pupil Alfie McCalmont will start the £150 a week scholarship when he is 16, after completing his GCSEs.

The club will support the midfielder as he studies for A-levels part of the day and spends the rest of his time training.

He will have to move away from home to live with other trainees near Wetherby during the week.

Alfie, who has played for Thirsk Falcons Junior Football Club for five years, said a scout from Leeds had spotted him while he played in a tournament in York.

He said: "It was like a dream come true.

"I'm very excited, it's a great opportunity to progress."

A school spokesman said it would support Alfie to ensure he is able to fit football around the rest of his academic commitments.