Scottish Co-operative Rugby League Conference side Easterhouse Panthers are celebrating after one of their young stars secured a 12 month contract with engage Super League side Hull F.C.
Half back Chad McGlame, 19, from Dennistoun in Glasgow - who took up the sport during his second year at Smithycroft Secondary School - has signed a deal at the KC Stadium following a two week trial with Richard Agar's outfit.
Easterhouse Panthers Head Coach Mark Senter said, "The club are delighted with the progress Chad has made. Having only picked up a rugby ball at the age of 14, it just shows what can be achieved with some hard work and desire."
He added, "Chad is a true inspiration to the young people in the East End of Glasgow and a great role model for others to follow. I would like to thank Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life and Sportscotland for their support and investment in the code, without which none of this would have been possible."
Councillor Frank Docherty, the local Councillor for the area commented, "The Easterhouse Panthers club are a real part of the Glasgow East End community. They work tirelessly to promote rugby league in the area and I am really pleased to see Chad's progress, it is reflective of the determination the club has shown to succeed."
Chad has progressed through the Scotland Rugby League pathway, playing in an Under 16 Youth World Cup in Moscow, being part of the Scotland Under 18 European Shield winning squad in Prague in 2008 and gaining a Scotland 'A 'cap against France in 2010.
He will join Hull F.C.'s elite training squad with immediate effect