Rookie footballer Rhys Coleman has received a boost in his bid to break into the professional ranks after receiving a scholarship to the Glenn Hoddle Academy, based in the Montecastillo resort in Jerez, Spain.

The 19-year-old starlet from South Croydon has joined a squad of players who all share the goal of a career at the very highest levels of the game, with all the scholars selected following trials at Chelsea’s training ground in May.
Coleman and his squad-mates now face a five-week coaching and development programme in Spain, all under the watchful eye of former England manager Hoddle and his coaching team.
The players have the opportunity to reach their full potential thanks to a development plan which ensures the players receive personal coaching from Hoddle and his team as well as the opportunity to undertake a specially designed degree course through a partnership with Leeds Met Carnegie University.
The players will also be taking Spanish lessons to prepare them for a career which may involve playing for Spanish or other top-flight European clubs as they fulfil their ambition of playing at the highest levels.
Hoddle said: “Rhys impressed me with his all-round ability during the selection process and I am delighted that he has signed a full-time contract with the academy. He not only demonstrated his ability with the ball but also his willingness to learn - something critical to his future success as we work with him to develop his skills and prepare him for a footballing future.
“We now have the nucleus of our first year squad of players, but our door is always open for new players to join the academy and we will continue to host trials throughout Europe as more and more players are released from clubs before they have reached their full potential.”