Guiseley AFC can confirm that Youth Academy midfielder Ben Whitfield has signed for Championship side AFC Bournemouth.

Ben, 18, has been one of the standout players for Dave Currie’s side over the past two seasons and has since been rewarded with interest from Bournemouth as well as Huddersfield Town.

The former Bradford City youth prospect signed a deal at the Goldsands Stadium on Friday and goes with the best wishes of everyone at Nethermoor.

Ben tweeted the club’s official account after his move, stating: “Thank you for the opportunity at Guiseley finally got where I wanted to be!, really helped me! Top club”

Danny Ellis, first team defender and coach for the academy, added: “So happy for Ben Whitfield a well deserved move,it’s been great working with you,all the best for the future.”

Ben’s departure marks what the club hopes is the first of many prospects to come through the Youth Academy, which, in only its second year, as reached the FA Youth Cup first round, the semi-finals of the Youth Alliance League Cup, and sits third in the league.

Trials for next season’s squad are due to be held in late February at Leeds Trinity University. For more details keep an eye on the website, email academy@guiseleyafc.co.uk or follow GAFCAcademy on Twitter.