Stephen May, the son of former Albion defender Larry, is one of six players to sign a three-year scholarship with Albion.

He is joined by Lee Carey, Dean Cox, Adam Mountford, Sam Rents and Jake Robinson.

Stephen's brother Christopher, a 17-year-old, is already in his first season as a scholar at Albion.

Larry said: "It has gone well for Christopher and he has played regularly for the under-19s.

"I'm delighted Stephen has got the chance to show what he can do as well. He deserves it because he has worked hard and shown a great attitude. I'm proud of them both.

"My advice to them is to keep working hard. Although I hope they make it, not many do and they are both realistic enough to appreciate that."

The father of Carey, 15, a pupil at Bexhill High, hopes the midfielder benefits from the experiences of elder brother John, a former Seagulls YTS player.

Roy Carey, who played for Bexhill in the County League, said: "I hope Lee can learn from John's mistakes.

"He moved to Sunderland to be with a girl and it didn't last. He's now settled in the Hellenic League with Bicester.

"Lee has impressed Albion with his terrific attitude after being out for eight weeks with a blood clot on his knee. But the doctor thought it might take 12. Fortunately it dispersed."

Winger Cox (Haywards Heath), defender Mountford, fullback Rents (Hove) and striker Robinson (Newhaven) all earned praise Martin Hinshelwood, Albion director of football.

He said: "All six have worked hard and we feel they can make the next step up. Hopefully they can go all the way and become professionals."