A RISING football star from Kidderminster has been signed by West Bromwich Albion at the age of eight.

Fraser Bayliss, who attends St. Catherine’s CE Primary School in Kidderminster, is an avid supporter of the Baggies along with his dad Craig.

So when his he was offered the chance to play in the club's under 9s team, it was a dream come true for the young footballer.

Fraser, of Lea Bank Avenue, has been playing the game he loves since he was two years old, and his parents say he even ran straight towards a football the day he took his first step.

He joined the Kidderminster Lions Soccer School at age four, playing for the team in the Stourbridge District Boys League until the end of this season before joining West Brom.

Kidderminster Lions previously became league winners, with Fraser scoring over 95 goals and being awarded players player and managers player of the year.

He has also played in the Arley Kings under 7s in the Stourport Boys League and last season played for Kidderminster Athletic in the under 9s team – with players a year above his age.

During his grass roots football career, Fraser was spotted by scouts from midlands teams but decided to take an offer from the club he has supported all his life.

After being part of the academy for the past 12 months, Fraser signed a contract to join West Brom last week.

Mum Gemma Bayliss said: “We are so very proud of Fraser; he works hard at everything he does but from the moment he could walk his passion has been Football. He lives and breathes the game.

“We can’t thank enough all his grass root coaches who have believed in Fraser, supported him and given him the foundation he now has to move forward.

“Celebrations were due to include a weekend away with the team and their families and being ball boys at a WBA game, unfortunately these have been postponed due to the current Covid-19 restrictions.

“We are unsure when training will resume but Fraser will be ready to continue the hard work and begin his exciting journey doing what he loves most.”

"He'll be ready for the challenge when football starts back up."

Fraser said: “I love playing football and I am so excited I have the opportunity to play for the team I support, thank you everyone for all your support.”