Goalkeeper Lucas Brookman, 18, signs first-team contract at Maidstone United having joined the club aged five

Teenage goalkeeper Lucas Brookman has signed a first-team contract at Maidstone United after completing his journey through the age groups.

Brookman, 18, attended his first Saturday morning coaching session at the Gallagher Stadium aged five and has represented the club at every age group from under-7s through to under-23s.

He’s now been promoted to Craig Fagan’s National League South squad as understudy to Lenny Holden, describing the opportunity as a “dream come true”.

“Every club wants to see homegrown talent come through,” said Stones boss Fagan.

“We’ve seen that with Riley Court and Mark Boruk over the last couple of years, and now Lucas can add his name to that list.

“His journey with the club from the age of five to where he is now is an impressive one, and hopefully it will inspire all those who play for Maidstone United, both now and in the future.

“He deserves this opportunity and I know he will learn a lot from working with Lenny this season.”

Brookman made 18 appearances as United’s under-23s won the SCEFL Development Eastern title last season.

Before that, he won two Kent Youth League titles, a pair of County Cups and a League Cup between the under-13 and under-16 age groups.