Ward, 18, has been with Bournemouth for six years. He is coming towards the end of a two-year scholarship and has been offered a two-year professional contract with the Premier League club.

He has previously spent loan spells with Totton & Eling in the Wessex League Division One plus Bashley in the Wessex League Premier. Upon joining the Kingfishers, Ward said “I am really looking forward to this new challenge and pushing myself on.”

Following yesterday’s announcement that long-serving ‘keeper Chris Rackley has departed Waterside Park, Ward and our coach Paul Strudley will provide the club’s goalkeeping options for the remainder of the season.

(image of Calum Ward taken from www.afcb.co.uk)