A GIFTED young footballer from Redditch has been given a chance to become a professional footballer after signing for Birmingham City’s youth academy.

George Hall, 7, will be rubbing shoulders with some of the most gifted young players in the region playing for Birmingham’s under-9s.

The youngster from Walkwood, who can play in a number of different positions, had attracted a host of attention from Football League club scouts playing for Headless Cross under-8s.

He started playing for his team at Astwood Bank First School when he caught the eye of coach Jamie Bailey, who runs a football development centre in Redditch.

Hall will play on Sundays for City, as well as attend three coaching sessions at the club’s Wast Hills training ground each week.

He was also one of several new academy signings who were unveiled at St Andrew during City’s Championship clash against Bristol City.

Father Paul Hall said: “George is really excited to be joining Birmingham.

“There were several clubs who showed an interested but the set-up at City is fantastic.”