ONE of the rising stars to come from the Ledbury Goalkeeping Academy has recently signed for League Two Football League side Forest Green Rovers. 

Aailyah Cross has impressed during her recent trials with Forest Green and has been signed on to play in the U12 team next season. 

Cross, 11, lives in Gloucester and attends Longney Primary School. She was spotted by Allan Hawkins, who runs the Ledbury Goalkeeping Academy, whilst playing for her previous school last year.

Ledbury Reporter: Aailyah Cross has signed for Forest Green RoversAailyah Cross has signed for Forest Green Rovers (Image: Allan Hawkins)

She has been attending coaching sessions for the past 12 months and also currently represents Gloucester Schools. Cross is hoping one day to play for Spurs Ladies, such is her dream. 

Cross is not the only girl that has been scouted ahead of next season. Allie-May Smith has signed for Kidderminster Harriers U13s for next season after also impressing during the summer months. 

Ledbury Reporter: Allie-May Smith has signed for Kidderminster HarriersAllie-May Smith has signed for Kidderminster Harriers (Image: Allan Hawkins)

She lives in Orleton and has been attending the coaching sessions alongside playing for Tenbury United in the Hereford Football League. 

Hawkins said: "Allie May is passionate about her goalkeeping, always aiming to put new ideas into practice and always striving to make her next training session better than her last.

"And with that in mind, none of these young goalkeepers would have this opportunity without a first-class facility to train at to which we I am hugely grateful to Pete Boyle and his club, Ledbury Town FC, for allowing us access to their facility.

"As one of the areas leading under 13 goalkeepers, it comes as no surprise Kidderminster Harriers have moved quickly to secure her signature, she’s nailed her intentions to the mast to become a future Lioness so congratulations Allie-May, totally deserved!"