Actions speak louder than words for young footballer Jack Rowlands. The shy 11-year-old has forged a fearsome reputation as a tough-tackling midfielder and helped himself to a clutch of medals with his four clubs last season.

He impressed Bristol Rovers enough to earn a contract with the club last year and has just started school at Kingswood on a sports scholarship.

"He doesn't speak too much but he's a quietly determined boy and that doesn't change when he gets on the pitch," said dad David.

"He's an aggressive, solid player who can tackle well. We're very proud of what he's done and he's certainly got the potential to do well, even if it's not at the highest level.

"If he can get on in the lower leagues that would still be great. He's still a bit young at the minute though, so we'll see."

Last season Rowlands played for four different teams and helped each one to success.

With Larkhall, he won the league and cup as well as three six-a-side competitions on his way to being crowned player of the year.

He captained his St Stephen's School team to the schools' league title and six-a-side success.

And as part of the Bath Schools Primary set-up he was named player of the year as the team reached the national finals.

"He did brilliantly last year and seemed to win everything. Now he's going to have a problem trying to do that well this season too," said David. "If he can just get an extra bit of confidence he'll be even better for it."

The start of the new school term will see Rowlands taking part in a number of different sports as part of the Kingswood curriculum.

And although primarily a footballer, Rowlands also enjoys playing cricket, tennis and rugby.

"They're keen to see him try a range of sports and at the minute he's playing rugby," said David.

"They train twice a week and he was in Plymouth on Sunday, so he's got a busy time ahead of him at the minute."