Jack Baldwin starts life as a professional footballer on Monday after being snapped up by League 1 side Hartlepool United.

The teenage defender, who played for Ryman League side Faversham Town last season, started the summer on trial at Gillingham.

Gills boss Andy Hessenthaler was impressed with the 18-year-old’s showing but a pre-arranged trial in the north has culminated in him signing for the Victoria Park club.

Baldwin featured in the club’s youth friendly against Newcastle Town last week and after then impressing Pools boss Mick Wadsworth in the first team match against Blyth the central defender was snapped up on a pro deal.

He was all set to start a university course in Kent this September but will instead be playing full-time football for the first time in his life. He starts training with Hartlepool on Monday.

Speaking to peterleemail.co.uk, Baldwin said: "It’s been a crazy, crazy couple of weeks.

"I’m over the moon, and that’s an understatement.

"My whole world has been turned upside down really. I’ll be moving a couple of hundred miles away from home by myself and starting a new life."