In-demand Mitchell Ware is beginning a new chapter this week after signing a two-year scholarship with Ipswich Town.

The 16-year-old goalkeeper finished at Sittingbourne's Fulston Manor School on Friday and is a step nearer to fulfilling a dream of playing professional football.

With an offer from Stoke and a pro deal at Southend available, he went with his head and chose a club he feels will give him the best chance of making it.

“Ipswich ticked all the boxes,” said the youngster, who had been with West Ham for the last seven years.

“I decided my future was going to be at another club and I had several trials. I even spent my birthday on my own away from home. I could have gone to Southend for good money but I am not playing for money.”

What clinched it for him at Ipswich was knowing he would be working with a coach who had helped him in the past, Darren Smith.

Ware said: “He coached me for a year as an under-13 and it was the best season I have ever had. It was a no-brainer. They look after their players and have a great background.

“In two years my target is to win a professional contract, to be playing regularly for Ipswich under-18s and playing here and there for the under-21s. For several years Ipswich have come close to getting into the Premier League. I hope that one day I can be playing first-team football for them.

"I want to thank the Swale Youth Development Fund for helping me and Fulston Manor School who have been brilliant over the last five years or so.”