TALENTED Ben Rhodes has signed a scholarship at Nelson Football Club.

The 16-year-old from Fearns Community Sports College, Stacksteads, had already lined up a place at AccRoss College, Accrington, from September on a football studies course.

Now, after successfully completing a trial for Nelson and winning a scholarship, he will have his studies paid for.

He said: “I first played football at four and have played for Rossendale Juniors, Haslingden Juniors and latterly in the reserve team for Bacup Borough.

“I used to play for my primary school, Newchurch, and I have played for the Fearns team in every year I have been here.

“I was really pleased when I got the email to say I had been accepted for a two-year scholarship.”

Ben, who plays left mid-field, is a Clarets fan and a season ticket holder at Turf Moor.