LIAM Sayers has signed a scholarship deal with Portsmouth Football Club’s Academy.

For the last two-and-a-half years, the former Bridport youth player, has been travelling to the Pompey academy, and after scoring 21 goals in as many games this season, he was awarded a two-year deal.

He will start work on July 1 as a paid footballer.

Sayers started his footballing education with Bridport Youth from the age of 11.

His goal-scoring was first noted by Dorchester FC’s newly-formed academy in 2009.

He was spotted by Portsmouth scout Jan Rowles playing at the Dorchester six-a-side tournament, and he watched him over the following year.

Sayers was also asked to represent the Dorset FA team, and in a game against Portsmouth Under-13s, imp-ressed enough to be asked for a trial with the Pompey academy.

A two-year deal followed at the end of the trial when he was aged 14.

He has been lucky enough to play against Arsenal, Chelsea, Southamp-ton and Fulham, among others.

Sayers can now look forward to a footballing education and career with Portsmouth and will jet off to Holland on an education and football tour, playing three games over two weeks, and represent the Hampshire side in the Under-18 development squad.