Ben O’Hanlon, 16, has signed up for a scholarship programme with Wolverhampton Wanderers after starting the schoolboy programme in primary school at the age of 10.

While in secondary education he moved to the Lord Silkin School in Stirchley to ensure he could continue to be part of the programme and receive extra support leading up to his exams.

His mother, Laraine O’Hanlon, said: “As a parent, I was very concerned about Ben changing schools at such an important time in his education, but can honestly say I cannot praise the school and its staff enough.

“The support he has been shown with regards to his football training at Wolves during the school day twice a week, and the extra support to ensure he reaches his target grades with one to one tutoring, has been second to none.

“Ben was made to feel welcome from day one by his tutor and being made a prefect and sports captain really made him feel part of the school in a very short space of time.

“I know Ben is very sad to leave, and is going to miss the teachers and support staff very much, but I’m sure he will pop in and keep them up to date with his progress at Wolves.”

Wolves Football Academy manager Kevin Thelwell said Ben was a very talented player who they were pleased to welcome onto the scholarship programme.

He said: “It is always an important day for all of our young players when they become full-time scholars, as well as being the start of a lot more hard work ahead.

“Ben is a talented young player who has been working within our schoolboy programme for a considerable length of time, and will now be coming into the building full-time.

“Last season proved an extremely successful one for Ben, including representing England at Under 16 level in the Victory Shield. “We are delighted that he has signed for Wolves and look forward to working with him in the scholarship programme.”

Headteacher Trevor Goddard said: “Moving schools midway through secondary education can be tough, but Ben was made extremely welcome by staff and students alike.

“He has worked extremely hard, and is a great example to other youngsters. He committed himself not only to his training with Wolves but also to his school work, and we’re delighted to see that has resulted in his signing for the youth team.”