A Buckhurst Hill teenager is poised to become a professional footballer for Charlton Athletic FC.

For 18-year-old Carl Jenkinson this is the first step in a career which he has always dreamed about.

The ex-Belmont Juniors boy is set to sign his contract with the League One club early next month, when there is also his A level business studies exam to focus on.

“I was really happy obviously, as I’ve been at Charlton since I was young,” said the defender. “I’ve gone through all the age groups. It’s always been my dream to be a professional.

“I have a long way to go and I’ve had to give up a lot of things over the years, like playing football with my mates, and going out.

“But I’m focused in what I want to do.”

Proud mum Hayda has made sacrifices too, as she and her husband have helped nurture Carl’s talent.

“It’s been quite a family commitment. Ten years is quite an apprenticeship,” she said. “It is a juggling act for us all, like when he must eat dinner in the car on the way to training. It’s definitely not all glamour.”

Carl could yet be plying his trade in the second tier of English football, as the Addicks are battling for promotion in League One.

The versatile youngster has shone for Charlton in an FA Youth Cup victory over Blackburn Rovers already during his time at the Valley.