James Ward signed a two-year scholarship with Derby County in the summer of 2024.

Ward linked up with the Rams at Under-9s level, having previously been part of the Pre-Academy set-up.

He is a pacey attacker with an eye for a goal and impressed in the younger age groups over recent years.

The 2024/25 season saw Ward play nine times for the Under-18s in league action, scoring once and getting two assists to his name.