THE mum of a dyslexic young Sandhurst footballer who had a trial with Reading FC will give a talk on Tuesday.

Amanda Williams, 48, will speak about the Dore programme, which helped her son Lewis, 12, to overcome his difficulties and secure the seven-week trial.

The Edgbarrow School pupil had previously had problems concentrating at school, which meant he got into trouble.

After enrolling him on a 16-month programme – which involved a daily personalised physical exercise regime – he secured his chance to train at the Championship side’s youth academy last year.

She said: “He persevered and we could see slow, steady progress with reading, writing, spelling and social skills.

“In a short space of time, he had transformed from the child who would run beside the football pitch impersonating an aeroplane, to winning the Year Six award for best footballer.

“He was so happy to have a scout from Reading phone up and invite him for the trial. They get 150 applications a week. He played a game with them, and got a lot of coaching.” “It was lovely that he got to play with his big local team, the fact that he got to do it gave him confidence all round.” Lewis was eventually told he is currently too short to be a professional goalkeeper but Mrs Williams is keen to highlight the benefits of the Dore programme.

She will speak at Holme Grange School, in Heathlands Road, Wokingham, from 7pm.