A FORMER Alcester High School pupil may be forced to abandon his dream of becoming a professional footballer because of lack of funding.

Adam Steventon, who lives in Salford Priors, represented his school, county and the West Midlands region at the sport he loves before being snapped up to play for the junior teams at Cheltenham Town FC.

The left back/centre back was scouted during a match between his previous team, Stratford Town, and Norton Lindsey last year.

Although after the first trial he was told to go away and improve his fitness, Cheltenham were clearly keen to get him on board.

But the 25-mile journey for training, college and matches six times a week is costing Adam and his parents too much.

On top of that, he has had to fork out £300 for boots, trainers and shin pads in the past season.

Adam, 17, is one of the few players at the club not receiving £700 a season as part of a scholarship deal with the Professional Footballers' Association.

He has to rely on his 12 hours a week work at Tesco and the financial support of his parents.

"Football is my life," he told the Chronicle. "It always has been and I can't imagine what else I would do.

"But unless I can get some sponsorship, I may have to give it up.

"At the moment, my mum drives to and from Cheltenham, so it's four trips each time I go. When I pass my driving test, that will cut the cost a bit."

Brian Sorsbrook, head of youth development at Cheltenham Town, said: "Adam is not a paid player so his commitment is at his own and his parents' expense.

"Scholarships are a matter of selection - he has only been with us for a season, some of the others have been here four or five years - but he is seeking sponsorship himself with our support.

"Adam is the only one we have identified as being good enough to play on non-contract terms, training full time with the club with a view to being offered a contract, or not, in the future."

Anyone who would like to support him can call the Chronicle on 01527 453540.