The Elite Training Centre, which attempts to offer promising young footballers a route into the professional game, has benefited from a new sponsorship deal.

The Hampshire organisation has reached a three-year agreement with Eden Vauxhall, who have given them a branded van and whose name will appear on all of the group's vehicles and kit.

It is another boost to the centre, who have enjoyed more success recently in placing their players with professional clubs.

Earlier this year, Armani Little, an under-15 player from Portsmouth, was awarded a scholarship at Saints, joining the likes of Josh Sims, Harry Isted and Kyle Clinton at St Mary's.

Bradley Collins, another of the original crop from the ETC's Southampton centre, has also recently been picked up by Chelsea.

Another one of the ETC's successes is Portsmouth-based Dylan Hill, who signed a one-year contract at Brentford after impressing while on trial with their under-12s.

The centre has also signed a partnership agreement with a sports management agency that will represent its players once they progress into professional football.

Waterman added: “Our beliefs that a scheme was needed to 'bridge the gap' between grassroots and professional football have proved correct.

“We have seen a huge influx of players desperate to source high quality training. Our success rate of players progressing into professional clubs only goes to validate our beliefs.”

As well as taking player straight from grassroots level, one of the centre's aims is to restore young players who have been released by clubs back into the pro ranks.

They hope that a series of games arranged against some top sides this season, including Chelsea, Saints, West Ham, Leicester, Fulham, Pompey and Brighton, will boost those opportunities.

Director of coaching Darren Waterman said: “Professional clubs are keen to see the boys we work with. They have heard about our schemes and know our success rate. Not only does it provide great exposure for our players, but also a great experience.”

For more information, visit elitetrainingcentre.co.uk