A promising young footballer spotted by Premier League giants Spurs and Arsenal ditched them both to play proudly for the Gills.

Rylee Ware has just signed for the under-nines, and is expected to stay at his local club for at least three years.

The eight-year-old lives in Mardale Close, Rainham, with mum Leigh Moore, dad Roger Ware and 10-year-old sister Maizy.

The outfield player with a “sweet left foot” was scouted for the north London teams, as well as Charlton Athletic and Gillingham at the age of just seven, while playing for Omega 92 FC in Rainham.

"But I think a lot of parents get a bit carried away when their children get signed – buying them lots of expensive gear. The bottom line is still ‘school is first, football second’." - Leigh Moore

Leigh, 32, said: “For months we took him to all the grounds for training sessions but it was all getting too much with the time and the travelling costs.

“We had to consider Maizy as well, she was getting dragged along which wasn’t always fair on her. So we asked him to pick his favourite two.

“Spurs was his least favourite, he liked Arsenal but Charlton and Gillingham were his favourites. They were both very friendly and made him feel really welcome.

“After a bit more time training at both the clubs it was Gillingham who offered him a contract first.”

His Omega coach, Soney David, said Rylee was talented and would go far.

Leigh added: “I’m not really up on my football to be honest, I’d just watch him play. But people kept saying to me how he good he is, and that’s what made me realise.”

Family friend Tom Vandepeer said Rylee has “the sweetest left foot in the business”, even at his tender age.

The left-footed Liverpool supporter got into football through his uncles, one of whom is a Liverpool supporter as well.

Mum Leigh, who works in BHS, added: “He’s football mad and he’s always said he want to be a footballer. He does a bit of a everything, and is a good striker.

“We all support him, it is a great offer from Gills and he needed to take it up.

“But I think a lot of parents get a bit carried away when their children get signed – taking them here there and everywhere, and buying them lots of expensive gear. Rylee is not flash and the bottom line is still ‘school is first, football second’.

The St Margaret’s School pupil starts in July and will train two times a week with matches on a Sunday.

Earlier this month the Medway Messenger reported on Kayden Abnett who signed for Charlton. The boys trained together before Rylee left for the Gills.