Bewdley boy dreaming of success at Aston Villa
A young?footballer from Bewdley is dreaming of pulling on his claret and blue shirt after securing a place at Aston Villa's football academy.
Eight-year-old Luke Sostley has been playing for Bewdley Town's junior sides since he was four years old.
His father Richard, aged 37, used to play semi-professionally for Redditch United and his mother Kerri, aged 40, is an ex-England badminton player.
So when the mini-midfielder was scouted by Villa at a match against Kidderminster Lions, he jumped at the chance.
The Bewdley Primary School pupil will receive specialist coaching at the club's academy and will play in under-9s matches once a week against other Premier League club academies.
Kerri said he is overwhelmed and has talked about nothing else since he was signed up last month.
She said: "We didn't know a scout was coming to the game so when Luke was approached after the match it was quite a shock to us all.
"He has been playing football since he was four years old but used to have a kickabout at home when he was just two.
"He can't wait to start playing again next month when pre-season training begins.
"I am immensely proud of him as is his father Richard. We are his biggest fans and we are behind him all the way."
But Luke will have to work as hard as he plays as one of the club's rules demands good results at school.
Mrs Sostley added: "The players have to do well at school and focus on their studies otherwise they can be dropped from the team.
"Luke is very driven and focused on his school work and is doing well in his classes.
"He is a very dedicated young lad and I know he will do well and go far."
