Aspiring professional footballer Shane McWeeney has received a scholarship to the prestigious Glenn Hoddle Academy, based in the Montecastillo Resort in Jerez, Southern Spain.

The 19-year-old goalkeeper from Cricklewood joins a squad of players who share the goal of a career at the very highest levels of the game.

Players were selected following trials at the Chelsea FC Training Ground in May, and a five-week coaching and development programme in Spain, under the watchful eye of Glenn Hoddle and his team of expert coaching staff.

McWeeney, who was recently released by Reading FC, joins 30 players who have also previously been released from clubs, including Manchester United, Chelsea and Fulham.

All the players were personally invited by Hoddle to join the new academy on a full-time scholarship.

The players have the opportunity to reach their full potential thanks to a unique development plan which ensures they receive personal coaching from Hoddle and his team, as well as the opportunity to undertake a specially-designed degree course through a partnership with Leeds Met Carnegie University.

The players will also be taking Spanish lessons to prepare them for a career which may involve playing for Spanish or other top-flight European clubs, as they fulfil their ambition of playing football at the highest level.

Hoddle said: “Shane impressed me as a goalkeeper, with his all-round ability during the selection process and I am delighted that he has signed a full-time contract with the academy. He not only demonstrated his vision and shot-stopping prowess, but also his willingness to learn, something critical to his future success, as we work with him to develop his skills and prepare him for a footballing future.”

The Glenn Hoddle Academy sources talented young footballers from around the world and provides them with the highest quality specialist football coaching.