Harry Moss, from Newton Hall, has been given a two-year scholarship with Burnley FC.
The 16-year-old will join The Clarets’ Under 18s team in July and, if things go well, could progress to the Under 23s and first team – a set-up which nurtured the talent of topflight and England internationals Nick Pope and Tom Heaton.
Goalkeeper Harry, who played for Spennymoor Town Youth FC, landed the scholarship after coaches at Park View Academy of Sport, in Chester-le-Street, helped him get a trial.
Dad Andrew Moss said: “He’s always played and loved football, going to college and combining studies with football enabled him to progress significantly.