Ben Richer from the under-13s has been offered a two-year contract with the school of excellence, joining fellow Seal Callum Overton.

He's the fourth youngster in recent seasons the Seals have moved to a pro club, with fellow under-13 Harry Isted and under-12 Jay Hartard both at Portsmouth.

Ben attends Manhood Communty College and is an Arsenal and Brighton fan. He's a goalkeeper after being an outfield player in the past.

Proud mum Sam said: "Ben decided to become a goalkeeper after realising he wouldn't be substituted by his coach, who rotated his outfield players. He wanted to stay on the pitch the whole game!

"He's so happy to be picked after a trial with Brighton. He damaged his finger at school halfway through and couldn't play in some games, so we were a bit shocked at Brighton making the decision so fast.

"Ben lives for football and is always training with the first team at Selsey when not with his own age group."

Ben's uncle Adam Hinshelwood is now captain at Aldershot after leaving Brighton, and his grandad Martin Hinshelwood, director of football and currently caretaker boss at Brighton, also praised the youngster.

"Ben was offered a trial after impressing at Tony Clark's Brighton community soccer school and has been picked on his own merit by the coaches looking after his age group," he said.

Selsey under-13 boss Gary Crees praised Ben's enthusiasm. "Ben's always been a great asset wherever he's played and has a fantastic attitude.

"A lot of people don't realise how well thought of the Seals set-up is among local professional clubs. We seem to lose a lot of boys to clubs outside our catchment area with parents hoping their boys will be seen by the professional scouts out there.

"With Tony Clark involved and Brighton and Portsmouth having good connections with us, I don't understand why parents want to travel so far."

* Anyone interested in Selsey Seals can call welfare officer Dickie Isted on 01243 602008 or 07885 619849.