An Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy student has been selected for Nottingham Forest’s Academy squad.

Alfie Slater, of Ilkeston, had successful trials at Derby County, Leicester City and Nottingham Forest after being spotted while playing for Ilkeston Town’s Junior Robins.

The 11-year-old then had to decide which club he wanted to sign for and he chose Forest’s Academy. He said: “I went to all of the local clubs but I just felt that Forest had more to offer and I train once a week there now.

“There are about 20 of us in the squad and I love it. I’ve met the Forest players and they are all great and one day I’d love to play for the first team.”

Alfie, a central midfielder, has been playing football since the age of five and is also captain of OIEA’s Year 7 team. Before joining Ilkeston Town, he played for a series of clubs including LE Galaxy in Long Eaton. As a Manchester City supporter, Alfie said he’s not affected by any local rivalry between Derby County and Nottingham Forest.

He said: “Some of my family are from Manchester so that’s why I support City. My friends don’t really support Derby or Forest which is quite good really.”

Dave Smith, Principal at OIEA, congratulated Alfie on his achievement. He said: “Alfie is a talented footballer who leads our Year 7 team as well as playing for Ilkeston Town and Forest’s Academy.

“He obviously puts a lot of time and effort into training and it’s paying off for him. He is definitely a star of the future and we hope to see him grace the pitch at the City Ground one day.”