The Western Daily Press is giving one of its readers the chance to become a football star.

It has kicked off a competition which will see one boy take up a place at Bristol City’s Football Academy for a minimum of two years.

Every boy living in the Daily Press circulation area whose 16th birthday falls between September 1 2003 and August 31 next year can enter, and all those who apply will be offered a trial.

The paper has teamed up with Bristol City Football Club for the competition, along with Flybe, which is offering the winner and his family free flights for a year.

Daily Press editor Terry Manners said: “Most of us as young boys have dreamed of being football stars.

“But as good as we thought we were, we never had the chance to shine.

“Now I am thrilled along with my team, to join up with Bristol City Football Club and Flybe airline to open the door that could provide a career for a youngster who may never otherwise have been spotted.”

Bristol City runs the only FA-licensed Football Academy in the South West and only 18 boys are picked to join its ranks every year.

Colin Sexstone, Bristol City chief executive, said: “This competition is going to provide at least one youngster with the chance of a lifetime.

“Our Academy provides an unrivalled development programme that has seen many players go on to become full professionals, indeed many have also received international recognition.

“Whilst we have a very active and successful recruiting system, this competition will allow us to see many more potential players and hopefully we will unearth a diamond.”

The judges for the competition will include Western Daily Press associate sports editor Chris Spittles.

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