Teenager Riley Court is loving life with hometown club Maidstone - after Chelsea left him in tears.

Talented midfielder Court, 17, told how the Blues released him from their academy by email after eight years.

It left him feeling down on football and he took a break from the sport before playing locally with East Peckham.

He joined Maidstone in their under-16 set-up and has progressed to the first team this season.

“Chelsea was unreal, probably one of the best academies out there,” said Court.

“I was there for eight years, since I was a little kid.

“I gave up on football for a few months after they let me go. I didn’t want to play - my head was down.

“I just started going out as a normal lad again.

“I wasn’t expecting to be released, to be fair. I always got offered a contract every year.

“It sort of became an expectation and then I got an email saying that’s it. There was no meeting. It was harsh.

“The email didn’t say much, literally we’re not going to offer you another contract. I didn’t speak to anyone after that. That was it.

“I was 14/15 when I got released. I was in tears for days and days and I didn’t want to play football any more.”

Court, who’s also played for Maidstone’s under-18s and under-23s, made his first-team debut as a late substitute at Chippenham.

He made his first start in an FA Trophy win at Dartford and has continued to impress manager George Elokobi.

There were league starts against Slough and Braintree, followed by a second-half appearance in front of a 28,000 crowd as Maidstone stunned Ipswich in the FA Cup fourth round.

“Things are going very well,” said Court, who went to Holy Family Primary School and St Simon Stock Secondary School.

“I’m learning a lot and taking it all in. It’s a big experience for me and I’m enjoying it.

“When I get on the ball, the amount of time you have in the younger age groups and the amount of time you have in the first team are two different things.

“It’s harder because the opposition feel like you’re a little boy and they can ruffle you about but you’ve got to get on with it.

“Every time I’ve played there’s always things I could have done better, always things to learn from.

“I just take it how it comes and try and learn.”

Court joked he would be “dropping bricks” if he got the chance to play at Ipswich.

It was a huge game for the experienced players in Maidstone’s side, never mind a 17-year-old making his way.

But Elokobi put his faith in the midfielder and he didn’t disappoint as United pulled off the biggest result in their history.

“It was absolutely mental to come on - I wasn’t expecting it at all,” said Court, who was introduced in the 74th minute.

“We were 2-1 up and I made sure I was ready so I could come on and try and do a job for the team.

“It was a crazy experience. I was speechless after the game.

“I just did not know what to say. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

“A lot of people won’t experience that, so I’m very grateful.

“I’ve lived in Maidstone my whole life as well, so that makes it extra special, doing it for the town and doing it for everyone.”

Court is the son of former Maidstone striker Ian Court, who played for the club in their Kent League days.

The teenager used to play up front, like his dad, before dropping into midfield where he could get on the ball more.

“My dad always comes to watch me,” said Court.

“The only thing he’s ever really said is to put your heart and soul into every game.

“Use your heart, run around, do the best you can do and if you’re having a bad game, make sure you work hard.

“That was him - that was how he played.”