Young footballer Aaron Kendal has helped Colchester United's Football in the Community hit a new landmark in its development of aspiring footballers.
Aaron has become the 100th footballer to progress from the Development Centre into the club's Academy, after impressing with his application and development over the last year.
Joe Hart, Foundation Phase Development Officer, said: "Aaron attended a Development Centre open trial back in April last year and was the offered a permanent place in our Development Centre.
"He attended weekly goalkeeping-specific training at our Maldon Development Centre and, from day one, Aaron showed the correct attitude and attributes to progress into our elite centre.
"He has continued with his hard work and application, whch has led to him gaining his contract with the Colchester United Academy.
"We are very proud of Aaron, who becomes the 100th player to progress from the Development Centre into the Colchester United Academy."
Aaron, who is currently in the U's U11s Academy side, said: "Gavin and the other coaches helped me with the skills I needed to improve to go onto the Elite and the Academy"