Former Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club player and Bishop’s Stortford High School captain George Hoddle signs professional deal at Cambridge United

A former Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club player aiming to light up the Football League has signed his first professional contract at the age of 17.

George Hoddle has put pen to paper on a three-year deal at Sky Bet League One side Cambridge United.

The midfielder, whose dad is Spurs legend and former England manager Glenn Hoddle's cousin, has been rewarded for an outstanding season with the U’s under-18s which included helping them on their historic run to the FA Youth Cup quarter-finals.

Hoddle, who was also named the club’s Terry Baker Scholar of the Year, joined the U’s academy at the age of 14 and has spent time on loan at both St Neots Town and Royston Town.

"I am really delighted. It's a proud moment for me and my family," said Hoddle, who captained The Bishop's Stortford High School's under-14s to national PlayStation FC Schools' Cup glory in October 2020.

"It was a really good season for myself and the team last year. The FA Youth Cup run really epitomised the group and how special it was.

"It's a really exciting time and the amount of players who have signed these contracts from the youth level shows the amount of good players we have coming through."

The U’s academy manager Dom Knighton said: "Since joining the academy as an under-14 from Bishop’s Stortford, George hasn’t looked backed and we have been delighted with his progress.

“The maturity that George demonstrates within his performances has been something that has always stood out, as well as his football intelligence.”