A SOCCER-mad Worcester youngster is stopping shots with the best after being signed by a professional side.

Ten-year-old Andrew Baker, from St John's, impressed scouts so much he has clinched the number one jersey for Walsall Football Club's under 10's team.

The Oldbury Park Primary School pupil now trains twice a week at the First Division club's Bescot Stadium and has avoided eating too many mince pies to keep in trim for the New Year's fixtures.

"He's been signed on a 12-month contract and we're absolutely over the moon about it," said his dad, Stephen.

"The team play seven and eight-a-side matches against other academy outfits throughout the country, so it's a really good set-up."

The keen Arsenal fan was spotted by Walsall scout and academy director John Bateman, who runs programmes for children aged between five and 13 at both Nunnery Wood and St John's sports centres in Worcester.

Currently, six players have been sent from the development centres to the First Division team's centre of excellence for trial, with Andrew the first to be signed.

"Both development centres and the sport centre academy were set up to teach youngsters properly," said Mr Bateman.

"The staff are all highly qualified with the Football Association, they are all FACA listed and I've just achieved my UEFA 'B' coaching licence."

Andrew, who hopes to emulate the success of his goalkeeping hero David Seaman, currently plays for Nunnery Wood Tigers.

He is hoping some of his other development centre teammates will also be soon signed up to share in his festive success.

Any up-and-coming footballers interested in joining the development centre can contact John Bateman on 07788 4483367.