OAKRIDGE teenager Billy Goddard is looking to follow in the footsteps of his favourite player, England and Chelsea midfield star Frank Lampard, and play in the Premiership.

The 14-year-old captain of The Vyne Community School's Year 10 team has already taken his first steps towards a career in the beautiful game, having been offered an apprenticeship with Portsmouth once he leaves school.

Like his England hero, Goddard is a midfielder, playing centre midfield for the under-15 side and right midfield for the under-16 team in the Youth Alliance League.

His most memorable moment so far in his footballing career was helping Portsmouth Centre of Excellence to a 4-1 win against Chelsea - a team all his family support.

He currently trains twice a week in Portsmouth with matches every weekend.

He also gives up his free time after school to help train the younger teams at The Vyne Community School, making him an excellent role model for the younger players.

Goddard started as a forward for Sherborne St John under-eights and, a year later, when playing for the Basingstoke Town Colts, he was invited to Portsmouth training at Costello Technology College. From there, he earned his place at the Centre of Excellence.

Once he leaves The Vyne school, he will train with the south coast side as well as continuing his studies. But he will hope, like former Vyne pupil and Pompey player Kit Symons, to make it all the way to the professional ranks.