Nick Fogden has always dreamed of being a professional footballer.

But just when it looked as though he had taken the first step by securing a place at Albion's Centre of Excellence last season he was struck down with pneumonia, then diabetes.

Now the 16-year-old Patcham pupil has got a second chance and aims to take full advantage as one of 119 players who have just kicked off this term.

The midfielder said: "I thought I was in line to join my brother Wes and start with Albion last season. Martin Hinshelwood, the director of youth, saw me play for a Sussex Sunday Youth League representative side and liked what he saw. But then I got pneumonia and, while I was in hospital, they diagnosed that I was diabetic.

"It was a complete shock. I was so tired and lost about three-and-a-half-stone. I had to stop playing for three months. But I rested and got back my fitness and have another opportunity to prove myself, which I'm grateful to Albion for.

"I have to inject myself twice a day with insulin, which isn't very pleasant, but it is now a part of my routine.

"I take inspiration from the likes of Gary Mabbutt, who played for Spurs and England, and Olympic rower Steve Redgrave. They are diabetics.

"I go training twice a week and play above my age group for the under-17s and love it.

"I'm determined to be a professional player."

Fogden's 13-year-old brother likes having him around at Albion. The midfielder, who plays for the under-14s, said: "It helps me having Nick with me at Albion because it gives me extra confidence. The club make training fun and we enjoy it."

The Fogdens reflects the club's family image chairman Dick Knight is keen to promote.

Seagulls under-14s have four players with brothers playing in older age groups.

The relatives ties extend to fathers and sons. Matt Piper (under-16s), Chris and Steve May (under-16s and under-15s) and Joe Gatting (under-14s) hope to emulate former Seagulls Steve, Larry and Steve.

Larry May said: "It can't be a bad thing that so many families are involved in Albion. It's well run, they look after the boys. I like the style of football and habits they teach."

Just for good measure, first-year scholar Matthew Geard is the son of former Albion player Glen.

Martin Hinshelwood, uncle to Albion youngsters Paul and Adam, said: "It also shows that we are looking to take local Sussex boys. The 17 we have on scholarship are all from the county and have all played for Sussex Schools."

Under-13s coach Luke Sadler believes parents form a strong part of the family link. He said: "They are extremely supportive."

Sadler believes his players have the right temperament as well as talent. Sadler, who has taken over the age group after helping former Seagull Ian Chapman last season, said: "Players are disciplined and follow the club ethos which is reflected in the dress code."

The Centre sides have kicked off their season with block fixtures against Southend and Cambridge who have provided opposition to put into practise a new training regime.

Under-14s coach Les Rogers, who guided the career of England international Gareth Barry and Aston Villa midfielder Michael Standing when they were with the Seagulls, said: "What has come in this season is practising techniques with opponents trying to get the ball off you. It's fine juggling the ball 500 times without opposition, this brings them more into the real world."

Fast-tracking is also an active policy. Rogers said: "Already I've had an under-14s goalkeeper, Richard Martin, who has played for the under-17s. There are others."

Albion run nine teams with centre of excellence players from under-11s to under-19s, with experienced coaches Vic Bragg (Worthing) and John Lambert (Eastbourne) directing operations under Hinshelwood.

Not everything's perfect. Hinshelwood, who looks after the under-17s with Colin Smart, is currently running the under-15s.

He said: "We have yet to find someone to make a commitment to the under-15s which is what we want because it would allow me to look at all the age groups."

The Centre of Excellence programme is there to develop players for Micky Adams' first team.

Hinshelwood said: "It is a culture shock after being at school and playing to trying to play for a living. We will try to get them through."