FC ABBEY Meads is preparing for life without three of the club’s brightest talents after they were accepted into professional football academies for the coming campaign.

David Butkus and Charlie Williams - who are both a part of Abbey Meads Under-8s Blue team - will join Forest Green Rovers’ academy this month.

Meanwhile Millie Hodges is set to sign for Reading’s women’s academy following a spell in Abbey Meads’ Under-13 Purple team.

After completing a much disrupted season last year with team trophy presentations and looking forward to a new season, Abbey Meads were also able to present a framed shirt to the trio of youngsters that will hopefully begin a long and successful career in football.

The club said: “It has been a pleasure to see them all develop from when they first joined us a couple of years ago, showing talent beyond their years.

“Millie’s move from our U13 Purple team to Reading’s Academy is a huge achievement, and something that all of us at the club are very proud of.

“We are sad to see them leave FC Abbey Meads, however, we wish all three players the very best for the future and we hope to see them on the pitch in the years ahead.”

Club secretary, Chris Dean said: “We are all incredibly proud of not just these three players, but all of our players, coaches, parents and committee members who all work so hard to make this club great.

“Being the biggest youth football club in Swindon, we offer all players the chance to play in a fun and safe environment and have a clear pathway to those with special talents to go on and play for academy sides.

“We wish all three players every success in their academy sides and look forward to seeing them play at a higher level and achieve their personal goals and dreams.”