TEENAGE football prospect Jess Rudge-Hamblin is set to takes a giant leap into the professional football ranks with Bristol Rovers.

The talented 16-year-old midfielder from Stroud has been snapped up by top women's side Bristol Rovers who play in the Premier League of the FA Women's National Division.

Jess, a former Thomas Keble pupil will join the Academy in September and will combine her football with a sports studies course for a National Diploma at Filton College, were the Academy is based.

"I'm really chuffed," said Jess.

" I got spotted by county scouts and Rovers' manager Gary Green invited me to train during the summer and I have now got into the Academy."

Last season Jess was starring for Forest Green in the SouthWest Combination League and is aware that the step up will be a tough challenge.

"I would expect to start in the Academy side and then hopefully break into the first team," added Jess.

Bristol Rovers captain Claire Scanlan, who is also the Filton Academy head coach, is backing the talented teenager.

She said: "Jess is a good little player with a lot of potential and we aim to develop her potential."