AFC Bournemouth’s teenage midfielder Kyle Taylor has signed a new three-and-a-half year contract at Vitality Stadium.
Taylor, who was raised in Lytchett Minster, graduated through the youth and academy ranks having joined the club as an eight-year-old.
A regular on the terraces as a youngster and a ball boy at Cherries matches, the 19-year-old has already made two appearances in the FA Cup.
Taylor made his debut as a substitute during the Cherries’ 3-0 defeat at Wigan in January 2018 and started this month’s reverse against Brighton in the third round.
Spotted playing for Poole-based Lytchett Red Triangle, Taylor was born in Switzerland and moved to Dorset after living with his family in Spain for two years.
Taylor, who spent the first half of this season nursing a recurring muscle injury, told afcbTV: “I’m delighted with the new contract, it’s a great moment both for me and my family. Being a local lad, it means a lot that the club offered me this.
“It’s been a fantastic journey until now and I just have to keep going, get my head down and try to break into the first team and nail down a spot.
“I know it’s going to be really tough but I’ve had challenges all along the way. I know this is going to be the biggest one to date.
“With the team being in the Premier League, there is so much competition for places. The squad is packed with quality players and it’s going to be the toughest challenge I have faced. But I’m ready to go straight for it.”
Taylor joined Eddie Howe’s first-team squad on their pre-season training camp to Marbella in July 2017 and also went to La Manga last summer.
He signed a six-year youth contract with the club when he was 12 and also played up an age group as he progressed through the ranks.
Taylor added: “It fills me with pride to be training with the first-team squad having joined the club when I was eight.
“I grew up in Poole and Bournemouth and have lived here since I was four. Having watched the team in League Two and been a ball boy, I feel I’ve been part of the journey. It’s been great to have been involved. It’s been a long journey and hopefully it can continue.
“I would like to say a big thank you to everyone who has helped me get this far. From my coaches at Lytchett Red Triangle to all the people through the age groups at the club.
“I don’t want to single out anyone because they have all played a huge part in my progress. The coaches, the sports scientists, all the staff and, of course, my family who have been with me all the way.”
