A 16-YEAR-OLD footballer is living his dream after signing a scholarship with Bolton Wanderers.

Jay Fitzmartin, from Leigh, has seen a "reward" for all of his hard efforts and commitment as he earned a scholarship with the club.

Jay has played football since he was five for Eastleigh, before he moved to Atherton Town.

He was also previously scouted for trials at Everton, Liverpool and Manchester United, before he actually signed for Bolton aged 11 and has stayed on at the club, where he has earned and signed a scholarship.

He started playing as a striker and has more recently been playing as a right winger.

Jay, also an Everton supporter, has just finished his GCSEs at St Mary’s High School and will now go through college with Bolton as well as getting paid to train and play for them as his job.

Dad Garry, 35, said: "Me and his mum Lyndsey are proud of Jay every single day, with how he is as a person as well as his football achievements and school work.

"This is a reward for all his hard work and commitment over the years. Doing the sport he loves as his job is what any young sports person wants to grow up and do."