SOUTHEND United youngster Jack Stone has joined Great Wakering Rovers on a dual registration.

The striker made his debut in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Barking.

And Blues youth team coach Danny Heath is pleased Stone has been given the opportunity to experience men’s football.

“All the staff at the academy would like to than Great Wakering for the opportunity they have given Jack,” said Heath.

“It will be good for him to go there and play men’s football, albeit he needs to go there and work hard to earn his minutes for them.”

Stone is not the only young second year scholar experiencing football elsewhere as Mikey Faulkner is currently lining up for Romford, Oscar Jones is with Burnham Ramblers, Harrison Bradbury Hutton and George Pulham Basildon Town.

First year scholar Zak Hammond is with Deal Town, Thato Molefi is playing for Runwell Sports and Cameron Hall Enfield Borough.

And there are also third year scholars out playing men’s football with Ellis Lawson at Hayes & Yeading and Tyrese Sibanda at Haringey Borough.

Heath added: “We’re grateful to all the clubs who are giving our players a taste of senior football but the boys know they have to work hard if they're going to play."