SHUTTLEWORTH College student Brandon Lonsdale is hoping to continue his strong progress in football after receiving praise from the Academy coaches at Accrington Stanley.

Forward Brandon, 13, has been with the League Two side for almost five years and has come through the age groups with the Reds.

“It’s obviously my dream to make it as a professional footballer and I am enjoying it at Accrington,” said Brandon.

“I have been to Paris and Las Vegas with the Academy over the last few years to experience football in different countries. I can play on either wing or as striker.”

Accrington’s Head of Academy Dave Fitzgerald said: “Brandon has been with the Academy since under nine’s and has progressed each season.

“This season he has shown the potential he is capable of and we hope he continues in this vein.

“Brandon has the potential and skill set to progress further through the Academy and is a willing learner.

“If he continues to listen and believe in his ability who knows how far Brandon can go. We are hoping he is of many talented lads in the Academy who can progress through and break in to the first team in the future.”

Sprinter Amber Smith celebrated a bronze medal at the Lancashire AAAs Track and Field Championships in Blackpool.

Shuttleworth College student Amber, 15, competes for Burnley Athetic Club, and raced in the 300m finishing in third spot with a time of 44.5 seconds - just 0.1 outside her personal best.

Year 10 student Amber regularly competes at distances from 100-300m and the long jump.