by Mary Graham

Another young footballer, whose talent has been honed in Maidstone has come to the attention of a professional club.

Just weeks after former Maidstone United defender Chris Smalling signed for Manchester United comes news of a professional club offering a scholarship to another of the club’s young stars.

William Johnson Cole, 15, from Gravesend, (pictured right in the yellow shirt) has just been offered a full term scholarship with championship club, Crystal Palace, meaning he will be there until he is at least 18.

The striker has played for the Stones for the past two years, scoring 35 goals last season and winning the Kent League Sportsmanship award.

He had already signed a two-year deal with Crystal Palace, but was told on Friday about the scholarship. Crystal Palace will now be responsible for his training and development.

The Stones’ youth development manager, Sean Sutton, said: "I am confident William could go all the way if he gets the opportunities and the right doors open for him.

"He could get a first team place one day through this scholarship, all he needs to do is stay fit, play well and keep scoring goals.

"William is obviously delighted with the offer as are we at Maidstone United as he is yet another player we have moved on to a professional club.

"We hope he goes on to follows in the footsteps of Chris Smalling who played for us and recently signed for Manchester Utd."