TWO Ledbury youngsters have taken the first step to top-flight football and are training with Premiership club West Bromwich Albion's development squad.

Nine-year-old Josh Tomkins, a pupil at Much Marcle primary, and seven-year-old Harvey Moss, a pupil at Ledbury primary, are now part of the WBA development centre, based at Ledbury Leisure Centre, that caters for around 30 players from all over the county.

Josh (pictured far left) and Harvey have been chosen for first-class coaching after being spotted by development centre co-ordinator Vince Hurn.

Vince joined WBA in September last year after spending many years with Cardiff City. He renewed his working relationship with former boss Paul Compton, who is now head of academy recruitment at WBA, after holding a similar position at Cardiff.

All the centre's coaches, Jamie Edwards, Martin Punt and Alan Hawkins are qualified UEFA B licence holders.

This Sunday, the Ledbury centre play against a Manchester United youth team at Walsall.

If you are a manager of a local youth team and feel that you have a talented youngster or would like to be part of Vince Hurn's team of spotters, please write to: Kevin Dove, Assistant Recruitment Officer, West Bromwich Albion FC, The Hawthorns, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B71 4LF.