FROM Chard, to the champions of England.

That is the story of local lad Ben Hamer, professional footballer for Leicester City who recently picked up the coveted crown of the Premier League title.

Ben, who lived most of his life growing up in Chard, was snapped up by Reading FC when he was 15, and has had a roller-coaster career since then.

The former Holyrood Academy pupil learned his trade on the pitches of Chard Town Football Club, playing for the club’s youth teams where his talents earned him a spot between the sticks for the Somerset county team, before he was recruited by Reading at just 15.

Following his move to Reading, he was loaned to Crawley town in the 2006-2007 season, and then enjoyed four loan periods at League 2 side Brentford.

In his third loan deal, Hamer was Brentford’s first choice keeper, helping them win the league in the 2008-2009 season, recording 20 clean sheets in the process.

He also had a brief spell at Exeter City, before he was signed by Charlton Athletic.

He cemented himself as the club’s number one, and helped guide the club back to the Championship in the 2011/2012 season.

In May 2014, Hamer moved to Leicester City, making 10 appearances for the side in the Premier League and cups after an injury to Kasper Schmeichel.

However, he lost his place once Leicester signed the experienced Mark Schwarzer, and alongside ill-fated loans at Nottingham Forest and Bristol City has not appeared for the club since.

Now, however, Hamer plays for the champions of England and if he stays at the club and there are a couple of injuries, he could see himself thrust into the Champions League spotlight.

Despite missing out on a winner’s medal as you have to make at least five appearances to qualify, Ben has still been in the thick of the celebrations, even going around to Jamie Vardy’s house to watch Leicester clinch the title after Tottenham’s draw with Chelsea.

Speaking to the Chard and Ilminster News, Paul Hamer, Ben’s dad, said he was very proud of his son despite him not getting much game time this season.

Mr Hamer said: “I am feeling very proud. He wasn’t involved this season, but for any player from Chard to play in the Premier League is a great achievement.

“As a third-choice goalkeeper, you are there for backup really, and you are frustrated and just want to play, even if you’re on the bench you want to play.

“The good thing about Leicester is there’s a real team ethic, and nobody is left out.

"He was still there at Vardy’s house for the celebration, nobody is excluded, there’s no cliques in the team and that is quite different to other Premier League clubs where there may be a clique.

“He gets on with them all, he’s got several good friends there and they all mix socially as well.

"It’s quite a small squad really, there’s only 26 players which is small for the premiership, and they have been lucky with injuries too and that has really helped.”

Mr Hamer added he hoped his son’s achievements would inspire other young footballers from south Somerset.

He said: “When you come from somewhere like Chard, it’s a bit of a backwater and people say ‘I will never make it’ but hopefully Ben shows that if you have the talent and are willing to work hard, you will get spotted."

Tony Chlopecki, Ben’s first manager at Chard, also praised his former goalkeeper.

Mr Chlopecki said: “We had a pretty good team at that time, and he was one of the best players. He just had something about him.

“I am so pleased for him, he’s a really nice bloke, he looks after mates and when he comes down he’ll often pop into the club.

“His achievements do provide inspiration because the youngsters can see a local lad has made it and it gives everyone a bit of hope and fight.”

Holyrood Academy also congratulated their former pupil.

Matt Collins, Headteacher at Holyrood Academy said: "Many congratulations to Ben and everyone at Leicester City Football Club on their stellar success becoming Premier League Champions from everyone at Holyrood Academy."