WEYMOUTH youngster Jayden Corbridge has been offered a two-year youth apprenticeship with Torquay United.

The 15-year-old, who originally played in the Weymouth youth ranks before having short spells at AFC Bournemouth and Salisbury, was picked to stay on with the Gulls this week and will move nearer to Plainmoor in June.

Speaking about his son’s achievement, father Darren Corbridge told Echosport: “I am extremely proud, it is something he has been waiting for years for and only two out of a whole squad were taken.

“Torquay said they could see him working towards getting a pro deal and they would like to see him around the first-team squad within 18 months, which is nice.

“This is where the hard work really starts for him so hopefully he can progress.”

The Torquay central-defender also plied his trade in the set-up for Dorset Under-16s last season, and on hearing the news, former manager Alan Lay also wished the youngster well.

“It is well deserved, he is a fantastic player,” he added.

“For us, he was playing above his age, I think we was 14 when we had him playing in the under-16s and he was head and shoulders above a lot of young players that were two years older than him.

“I am really pleased for him and he deserves it, he works really hard.

“His attitude, his commitment on the pitch, his quality on the ball and his technique was brilliant, I am chuffed for him.”