YOUNG footballer Billy Ralph has signed a two-year contract with Cardiff City.

From this September the Sedbury lad will have a day off school every Wednesday to attend the academy where he will continue his studies while getting professional coach­ing from the Cardiff City academy coaches.

Proud mum, Laura Ralph said: “Billy has a passion for football.

“Billy has played for Chepstow Town FC for the last four years and in 2013 he was asked to attend a Cardiff City trial. He was asked to join the academy and, until present date, has travelled an hour to training three times a week to Cardiff in a bid to secure a contract.

“All of his hard work, commitment and dedication have paid off.”