A TALENTED King Edward’s Witley pupil, who was scouted at the age of seven for Portsmouth Football Club, has had his contract renewed for a further two years with the Under 13 and 14 teams.

James Howell (pictured), from Godalming, initially joined Pompey’s academy just before his seventh birthday. One of around 100 boys and girls, who were first selected, he is now one of just four whose contract has been renewed.

Sporting prowess clearly runs in the family. His sister Lottie used to play for England U14 rounders team. She now plays lacrosse for England’s U17 regional development squad.

James was originally scouted by Chelsea and Portsmouth and kicked off in their U8 development squads. When the offer of a one-year contract was made by Portsmouth he signed for the club which was promoted to League One as champions in May after nearly going out of business just five years ago.

Following his dream, means James has to train three nights away and he also plays every Sunday against other league club acadamies anywhere in the South of England.

James is a huge asset to King Edward’s U12s Futsal team, who were runners-up in the Surrey FA County Tournament.