ISLE of Wight-born footballer Jake Scrimshaw has seen his great dedication to the sport earn him a professional contract at Premier League Bournemouth.

The former Ryde Academy student has come a long way with the Cherries since he joined them as a 15-year-old, having impressed during a four-week trial at one of the club’s ID centres.

Tipped to have an exciting future from Poole Town boss Tom Killick, after he had spent a successful spell there this season, leading the goal charts, Jake has also impressed for Bournemouth's under-18s with a string of impressive performances.

After being recently named the Cherries under-18 player of the year, he signed the two-year contract to join the under-21 squad at the Vitality Stadium, which will give him a golden opportunity to catch the eye of boss, Eddie Howe.

Jake, 18, described by Killick as "very strong, brave and robust", with a remarkable ability to impose himself on games at such a young age, has come a long way in a relatively short time at the Cherries — in every sense.

Travelling regularly to Bournemouth from his home on the Isle of Wight to train and play football is a test of anyone's dedication — none more so than Jake, supported by his parents, Sarah and Lee.

Although he is just starting out on his journey in professional football, Jake Scrimshaw has already come a very long way.

Countless trips across the Solent from his home on the Isle of Wight have paid dividends for the young striker who has been rewarded with his first contract.

He was first spotted by Cherries scouts banging in the goals for Hurstwood Rangers in Havant.

Jake did not need asking twice as he jumped at the chance to join the Premnier League's smallest club.

“It was tough when I was in the under-15s and under-16s,” Scrimshaw told the AFC Bouremouth website.

“I would come over from the Isle of Wight for training five or six times a week — and it was a bit of a struggle. 

“I would get up early every morning to go to school at Ryde Academy, then rush home. Mum would always have some food ready for me on the table.

“After eating, mum or dad would drive me to the Ryde ferry terminal for the boat to Portsmouth.

“Two of my teammates lived there and their mum or dad would give us a lift to and from Bournemouth, then bring me back to Portsmouth to get the ferry home. 

"My mum or dad would then pick me up. I would have a quick shower when I got home and go to bed after midnight most days.

“It was very difficult at the time, but is has all been worthwhile. When you want something badly, you will do what it takes to get there.”

Last season, Jake was prolific in front of goal, bagging 48 — helping the Cherries reach the quarter-finals of the FA Youth Cup for only the second time in their history, which included a treble against Oxford United. 

His tally included 17 goals at Poole Town, to end the Southern League South outfit’s campaign as their top scorer in all competitions.

“I was over the moon to be offered my first professional contract. It was what I had been working for my whole life. It was a dream come true to sign it," said Jake.

“It was a very good season, both for me and the team. I was happy with how it went and it was probably my best season since I joined the club.

“I scored a couple of goals at the start of the season, then got four in a 7-0 win against Portsmouth. I just kicked on from there and kept scoring.

“The loan spell at Poole was a good experience. At that level, it’s all about winning and not just developing. It was good for me, both mentally and physically.

“I was fortunate to score six goals on my debut for them and it couldn’t have gone any better. Everything just seemed to fall for me.

“I’m delighted with the contract but I want to push on again and get another one. My main aim is to play for the first team.”