PAUL Hurrell has been named as Worcestershire under 18s player-of-the-year.

The midfielder, who is part of Kidderminster Harriers’ youth team, is captain of the county under 18s and pipped goalkeeper Haydn Whitcombe to the award.

Despite the team finishing bottom of the Midland Counties Youth League with one win from seven matches, manager Ivor Chambers believes Hurrell, 17, is destined to succeed.

He said: “Paul’s been great and we have all voted him as our player-of-the-season. It was a close call between him and Haydn.

“Paul is going to be a very good player and I would be amazed if he doesn’t make it as a professional.”

Hurrell, a pupil at Kidderminster’s Holy Trinity International School, was also presented with a county tie and sweater.

He is now looking forward to another season with both Harriers and the County.

Hurrell said: “I really enjoy playing for Kidderminster Harriers and Worcestershire and I am so pleased to have been awarded player-of-the-season.

“It is a great honour to both captain your County and receive such a prestigious award.”

Hurrell is currently taking A-levels in Spanish, sports science, history, citizenship and general studies.

He has also completed courses in sports leadership both with Harriers and at Holy Trinity.

Headteacher Pamela Leek-Wright added: “Paul is HTIS’s first student to play competitive football at county level and we are extremely proud of him, both in terms of his sporting success and of his personal academic achievements.”

“We are delighted for Paul and we wish him much success in his sporting career as well as in his academic studies.”

Keeper Whitcombe also has reason to celebrate after joining Stourport Swifts for the 2011/12 campaign.

The 19-year-old has impressed in the Harriers youth ranks and has been handed the chance to prove himself with the Zamaretto League Division One South and West club.

Swifts boss Rod Brown said: “I am really excited by the prospect of playing Haydn. He’s had some excellent recommendations.

“Haydn’s only young but I like the fact that he comes out and takes the ball.”