Hammers chance for teen star

11 Oct 2016 By David Watters

Young Cambridge City prospect Ben Heal has left the EVO-STIK League Southern's Lilywhites to join West Ham United's academy on a two year deal.

Heal impressed for Cambridge City U14s last season before U14s manager Mark Pleasants invited the Premier League club to come along and watch the youngster showcase his talents.

After seeing Heal in action for themselves, the Hammers immediately offered the schoolboy a trial at the club. Now, another impressive display has led to Heal leaving the EVO-STIK League Southern Premier Division club after being offered a place at the academy.

Pleasants told Cambridge News this week: "As soon as Ben joined from Bluntisham he fitted straight in with the lads, worked very hard and gave 110 per cent effort in training and games. What immediately stood out to me was when the going got tough Ben got tougher.

"Off the pitch Ben is a very polite, happy-go-lucky lad, on the pitch he is a mean machine. It became obvious he had the potential to keep moving forward."

He added: "Ben has been a real pleasure to manage and I wish him every bit of luck in his future football and growing into a fine young man."

Follow the EVO-STIK League Southern on Twitter at @SouthernLeague1

Where next?

New FA chief heading to cup tie! New Football Association chairman Greg Clarke is heading to Egham Town on Saturday to watch the EVO-STIK League Southern's Sarnies in Emirates FA Cup action!

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