A 15-year-old footballer from Weymouth could become the youngest player to score in the FA Youth Cup later today.

Reece Bastafield became one the youngest players to ever compete in the competition when he came off the bench for Yeovil under 18s in their 4-1 win over Helston Athletic on Friday, October 4. 

Bastafield was 15 years, two months, and 21 days when he made his debut in the competition, with only Imari Samuels of Reading and Billy French of Charlton Athletic ahead of the up and coming talent. 

England superstar Jude Bellingham is on the list but is a distant 22 having played at the ripe old age of fifteen years, five months 14 days. 

Reece Bastafield is one of the youngest players to have played in the FA Youth Cup Reece Bastafield is one of the youngest players to have played in the FA Youth Cup (Image: Hayley Bastafield) The young midfielder who goes to Wey Valley School is hoping to feature in the Glovers third qualifying round at Bridgwater Water United tonight (October 14), and if he scores, he would become the competition's youngest goal scorer - and by some distance too. 

The youngest goal scorer currently is Jonny Day, of AFC Bournemouth under 18s, who scored in February at the age of 15 years 11 months 13 days.

Reece is the captain of Yeovil's under 16 team and normally plays in the middle of the park, although, when playing for the under 18s, he often features at right-wing back.

His rise within the youth setup at Yeovil has been impressive considering he only joined the club at the beginning of the 2023/24, and he was delighted when he found out he was playing in the FA Youth Cup. Reece can play in central midfield or as a wing-backReece can play in central midfield or as a wing-back (Image: Hayley Bastafield)

He said: "I have been working hard to play for the youth team since I signed for Yeovil Town and have quickly progressed through the age groups.

"When I found out I was coming on in the FA Cup youth game I was buzzing.

"I wanted to put a good performance in, to show everyone that I am capable of playing with players much older than me.

"I am grateful to all the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity and to play with a great bunch of lads. "

His parents, Aaron and Hayley Bastafield are also immensely proud of him, especially after coming through a difficult 18 months when growing pains caused him to lose confidence.

His dad Aaron said: "When we found out he was in the team, it was fantastic, he's done really well.

"He was always a centre forward, but he did some private training after dealing with his growing pains and it helped him regain his confidence.

"He moved to Yeovil from AFC Bournemouth and the coaching there has been second to none - they spotted something in him and now he has shot up the age groups.

"His next goal is to try and force his way into the first team at Yeovil."