Colchester United have signed young winger Bryan Ifeanyi, but he will spend his early U's days at Maldon & Tiptree.
The seventeen year old winger came up through the Leyton Orient Academy, but he has signed for the U's ahead of a number of other interested clubs.
He will start the season with Maldon & Tiptree in the Isthmian North League under the management of Wayne Brown.
U's Director of Football Tony Humes explained: "Bryan looks an exciting prospect, and one we feel is ready for competitive men's football even though he is still only seventeen."
"It's a pathway that many of our young players tread, and despite him only just having come into the club, we feel he is ready for this step up from youth football."
Wayne Brown added: "Bryan will benefit from playing for us in the short term, and we will I'm sure benefit as well with what we think he can bring to Maldon."
"It's good that we have this relationship with Colchester United because I feel that when a player like Bryan comes to us, it's great for all three parties as he develops into a better player."