NINE-YEAR-OLD Tyler Marshall is lending a helping hand to the NHS by designing his own goalkeeping gloves.

The budding shot-stopper - who plays for Southend United’s shadow squad as well as Ashingdon Youth - drew up the plans to include rainbows which are currently being used to spread cheer amid the coronavirus pandemic.

And, after Tyler’s mother Barbara sent the design the PL1 goalkeeping, the gloves will now be made with all proceeds being donated to the NHS, much to the delight of Tyler.

“It was the only way I could reach out to people and to say thank you to everyone at the NHS for doing such a great job,” said Tyler, who lives in Rochford.

“Thank you so much to Paul (Horwood) and Lee (Hollingworth) at PL1 goalkeeping, this is unbelievable.”

PL1 run goalkeeping sessions for more than 130 local goalkeepers and Tyler was among those to train with them during the half-term break. Tyler also enjoys playing in outfield positions and PL1 coach Paul Horwood was pleased to be able to make his dreams come true.

“The picture was so great we had no hesitation in saying we would get the gloves produced for Tyler,” said Horwood.

“Production has already started on 200 pairs now and we’ve had 75 pre-sale orders for them so far which is brilliant.”

PL1 have helped 12 goalkeepers be snapped up by professional clubs in the last 12 months and also produce gloves which are worn by many local shot-stoppers.

To order the gloves visit pl1goalkeeping.co.uk or call 07920826461