FLEDGLING footballer Nathan Marks has been snapped-up by League One outfit Swindon Town on a two-year football Academy scholarship.

Nathan, 16, who is coached by former Forest Green midfielder Jamie Pitman, will be getting the chance to play football full-time and will carry on his education at Swindon College, where he will study Level 3 NVQ Achieving Excellence in Sports Performance.

The Stonehouse-based right-sided midfielder attends Maidenhill School, where he is currently studying for his GCSE's.

Nathan, who supports Manchester United is delighted to be given the chance to pursue his goal to make it in the game.

He said: "Though I will have to move up to Swindon in July, this is a fantastic opportunity for me to hopefully gain a Professional contract at the end of the two years. Swindon Town have already given me great experiences so far and this is where the hard work really starts for me to try and achieve my dream of playing professional football.

He started his football career at his hometown club at the tender age of seven.

He then went on to play for King's Stanley, who put him forward for trials for the Mid-Glos representative team, where he first came on to the Swindon Town radar and joined the Wiltshire club at the age of 10.

He has already racked-up experience on tour in South Korea, Holland and last summer he took part in the Milk Cup Tournament.

Nathan has also graced the pitches of Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham, Everton, Liverpool and Aston Villa.