A nine-year-old footballer from Deal is living every young boy’s dream after being signed to Gillingham Football Club.

“Natural talent” Joshua Bayliss, who attends St Faiths at Ash, and lives in Deal with his mum and Sandwich with his dad, has been kicking balls since he could walk. He started out playing for Canterbury Youth team before joining the Pace Academy team in Sandwich, last year.

It was in March, playing against Gillingham, that Joshua’s skills were noticed by the opposition.

He was approached by the them but both Josh and his family declined the offer but, after a tournament in Belgium in May, after Joshua had met some of the other players and got to know them, he was invited to the club and signed a permanent contract.

The young star now trains twice a week, at Canterbury University on a Thursday, Gillingham’s training grounds on Saturday and plays games on a Sunday. He has already found his feet, having played five matches for the side.

His father, Alistair Bayliss of Bayliss Executive Travel based in Deal Business Park, said: “He’s loving it.”

Scotsman Mr Bayliss, who is a football lover himself and a director at Margate FC, said his son has also been scouted by Charlton and Millwall.

He added: “His mum and I are unbelievably proud of him. I can’t wait for the day he plays for Scotland.”

Pace Academy football coach Ricky Owen, said: “Josh has been with the Pace Academy for the last year and before that he was attending the soccer schools. He’s always had a natural talent especially in terms of his pace, but in the last year his game has really progressed.

“He’s a very intelligent player with a good finish. He’s got a great attitude and is very coachable. We’re disappointed to lose him but it’s the best thing for him. We’ll keep tabs on Josh and hopefully watch him go from strength to strength.”

Mr Bayliss has praised his son’s former coaches who have contributed to his success.

He said: “I must say the quality of coaching he has had from Ricky and Patrick at Pace Academy has been exceptional. They’ve brought him on leaps and bounds.”