A TEENAGER from Kendal has signed his first professional contract with Everton FC.

Tyler Onyango, 17, began training with the side on Monday and has previously represented England at under-17 level.

He attended Old Hutton Primary School and has spent lockdown with his mother and sister in Kendal. The young footballer has been playing since a young age and is now at the beginning of a three-year professional contract.

Onyango said: “It’s amazing to get into Everton. This is such a proud moment for me.

“I’ll be looking at about six weeks of training and then we will get into some games.

“It feels really good and such an achievement to represent your country. It’s great to play at this level.

“I’ve been training a bit at the Kendal rugby grounds and Wattsfield as well to stay in shape during lockdown.

“Hopefully I can get to Everton first team. It’s a long way off but it’s my goal.”

Tyler joined the Toffees' training program aged 12, and pulled on an England jersey for the first time last year.

He also played twice for Everton's under-23 team in the Leasing.com Trophy last season, against Crewe Alexandra and Fleetwood Town.