A YOUNG footballer from Basingstoke is celebrating after signing a professional contract with League One side AFC Bournemouth.

Ryan Case, who turned 18 earlier this month, was one of just four players in his age-group to be offered a professional deal with the Dorset club, signing a 12-month contract at Dean Court.

“It was a dream come true,” the former Brighton Hill Community College pupil said. “Having grown up playing the game I never thought it could be me up there playing with everyone else.

“It was overwhelming and the news took a while for it to settle in. Saying ‘Ryan Case, professional footballer’ did not sound right at first but now I have embraced it and am really happy.”

It has been a dramatic few years for Case, who lives in Falcon Way, Kempshott. While many of the boys he has been playing alongside at the Cherries Academy have been with the club from a young age, defender Case was 15 when he was spotted playing in the local leagues.

“It took ages for me to get a chance but I took it with both hands and got the scholarship,” he said. “I have had to work really hard over the last two years to earn a professional contract and it is great.

“Now I am just planning to take each day as it comes, train really hard and see what happens. It might take a while to break into the first team squad but as long as I work hard, show that I am willing to listen to what the coaches say and take it on board, I hope I can get into the side at some point next season.”

This season has been one of transition for Case, who signed for Bournemouth as a centre-back but has now been converted to a right-back.

“I feel I am more suited to right-back than centre-back but I can play right across the back four,” he added. “I enjoy the freedom at right-back. I like getting forward and being involved in attacks.”

Case joins four other Basingstoke-born players in the professional game.

Midfielder Tom Cleverley has endured an injury-hit season with Manchester United but is seen as a potential England prospect. Striker Rowan Vine is currently on loan at League Two Gillingham, with his contract at Queens Park Rangers due to end in the summer.

Defender Olly Lancashire is a member of the first-team squad at League One Walsall, while midfielder Josh Payne is impressing after signing for League Two Aldershot Town.