A LOCAL student has been signed up for a top football academy.

Goalscoring Ryan Crawford of The King Alfred School Academy (TKASA), in Highbridge, was delighted with his call-up for Football League side Bristol Rovers.

Crawford has been making excellent progress at school and also in the local leagues for many years.

His head of year at TKASA, Ivor Brittan, said: “We are incredibly proud of his signing to Bristol Rovers, and obviously wish him all the success in this fantastic dream opportunity.”

Earlier this year TKASA unveiled a 40-foot giant photographic inspirational tribute to sporting greats, in order to further inspire current students.

They invited back two of its former students to unveil the wall; one of them, Bradley Ash, also made the leap to the football league.

Kate Clough, head of PE at TKASA, said: “As a department we know how hard Ryan has had to work to get to this position.

"He has demonstrated great resilience and determination which will stand him in good stead - we are incredibly proud.”

TKASA principal Dan Milford, who was once a professional footballer himself, added: “This is a tremendous achievement by Ryan.

"With dedication, enthusiasm and persistence he has a great career in the game.”