FOOTBALL: Demetriou signs for Hoddle Academy

Demetriou, 20, who lives in Durrington and also plays cricket for Findon, follows striker Ben Williamson in joining the Academy, which is a unique professional football development centre, based at Montecastillo Resort in Jerez, Southern Spain.

The left-winger or striker when he played at Rebels was turned into a central defender by Darin Killpartrick and Jamie Howell when he joined Bognor Regis last season, and he has been chosen for the Academy as a centre-half.

He said: "I got told I was in a couple of weeks ago and I'm very happy and very proud.

"I was a bit gutted when nothing happened from my trial with Leicester a couple of years ago but have worked my way back up.

"I've been trialling all summer, a week at a time at Bisham Abbey, so haven't had a rest with playing cricket as well. It's been hard but it will be worth it and I'll give it my best shot.

"It's my first opportunity and it will maybe be my last one. To get a professional contract is my goal as I've been waiting for this chance for a long time.

"It will be hard leaving everyone '“ my family, girlfriend and friends '“ but it will be easier when I get out there and I've got to take this chance and I feel both lucky and honoured to be offered this opportunity.

"I'd like to thank Glenn and his team of coaches for backing me and giving me this chance to develop my dream in becoming a professional footballer. It's going to be tough not going there with full-time training experience but I am looking forward to the challenge and can't wait to get out to Spain and start training.

"I would also like to saythank you to all at Bognor, especially Darin Killpartrick and Jamie Howell for putting in a lot of time and effort last season in helping me to grow as a player and develop my game."

Demetriou scored 10 times in 36 games for Worthing and was selected for the Academy after recent trials at Bisham Abbey and, on joining Williamson in the squad, Demetriou said: "I didn't know him that well before as he came to Worthing the year I left. But we've got on quite well and I think we're the only two players from non-league who have got into the Academy.

"The rest have come from the Premiership, Championship, League One, so it's a very high standard.

"I was nervous going up there but was surprised I did as well as I did and felt comfortable."

Demetriou, who never played in central defence for Worthing, said: "Bognor needed cover at the start of last year, Darin knew I could play there and I enjoyed it and it's gone from there.

"I've only played in the position for a year as I'd been a forward or left winger all my life '“ since I started at Worthing Dynamos at under-7s.

"But the right coaching at Bognor, under Darin and Jamie, has really helped me develop as a centre half and I'm so thankful to them."

Demetriou heads out to the Academy on August 18. The Academy will provide him with a unique individual development plan and he will also take Spanish lessons.

Hoddle said: "Mickey impressed me during recent trials. He has shown a great ability and attitude to the game, but just as importantly, he has a willingness to learn and I am very pleased he will be joining the Academy in Spain.

"As a former amateur player, he will face a tough challenge as he begins his development and works towards the goal of becoming a professional footballer and I have every confidence in his ability to take on the challenge.

"I see great potential in him as he learns more about the game and develops his natural ability, something that I am sure will help him secure a future career in the game.

"Mickey joins a very strong squad of players, with a shared goal of playing football at the highest levels of the game and I am confident that with his excellent commitment, effort and his undoubted ability, he will succeed and do very well indeed."

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