PROMISING Cinderford footballer Barry John Matthews is carving out a name for himself at the well known Cirencester Football Academy.
Barry, 16, son of Phil and Carol Matthews, of Edge Hills Road, Cinderford, has already played for Luton and Bristol City youth teams.
He played his Forest football for Cinderford Town, being a member of their youth teams through every age group from 10 upwards.
Now he will carry on his studies and play football every day at the Cirencester Academy. Though he has played most of his football so far as a defender, he recently played for the Academy in a game against Aston Villa as a midfielder and scored both his team's goals in a 5-2 defeat.
Father, Mr Phil Matthews, told the Review: "He is doing very well and by all accounts they are very pleased with him. He has received a lot of support locally and we would particularly like to thank the Causeway A and B skittles team, the Soldiers and Sailors Club, Michael's Travel, Cinderford Town Supporters Club, Vi's Chippy, Alan Jones, Lydney Products, Mel Norris and Harlequin Builders as well as family and friends who have helped to supply him with the kit he will need for the next two years."