Rovers deal for AG star pupil Jacob
●● Alder Grange pupil Jacob Bridges AN Alder Grange School pupil says he’s living his childhood dream after signing a contract to play for Blackburn Rovers’ Under-15s team.
Jacob Bridges, 14, has had his contract extended for another two years following on from being signed for the club’s Under-13s and Under-14s teams.
The year 9 centre back, who played for Rossendale Valley Pumas since he was four, was scouted for Rovers at a match at the Calder Road School in January 2017. He now trains with the team four times a week and plays once a week.
Jacob, who also plays for his school team, said: “I’m really pleased to have been signed for Rovers again. I was quite confident that I would be as I was happy with my performance during the season and thought I’d made a good impression.
“As well as training four times a week at the club training grounds I also lift weights at the school gym to help me become stronger, which will help with my game. The teachers at the school have been very supportive and helped build my confidence.
“I wasn’t the best player when I started at school but I feel I’ve really come on.
“I don’t think I would have been given this chance if I wasn’t here.
“I’d really like to continue playing football for the club, hopefully getting a scholarship and one day make it professionally.”
Recently, Jacob and his team mates were crowned Albert Phelan Cup Northern Winners 2017-18 after the Under 14s team defeated West Bromwich Albion 2-1 in the final at Myerscough College in Preston.
The team just missed out on being named national champions after they lost 3-2 against Wolves at England’s St. George’s Park training ground on June 13.
He added: “Being crowned the Albert Phelan Cup Northern Winners was brilliant, we played really well against some great teams like Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. We had our sights set on being Under-14 National Champions but unfortunately we conceded in extra time.”
‘I don’t think I would have got this chance if I wasn’t here’