TO sign for your hometown club in any sport is a proud moment, although perhaps even more so when you have such a longstanding family connection to it as well.

That is certainly the case for Jake Carter, who this week signed a three-year contract with Barrow Raiders.

Not only did father Darren pull on the Barrow shirt during three spells at Craven Park, but relations Brad and Steve Marwood, Paul Burns and Neil Shaw did too.

Added to that is the fact his grandparents are lifelong supporters of the Raiders too, with Carter now transitioning from standing on the terraces to playing on the pitch.

“There is a bit of family history with the club because dad has played there, and uncles and cousins,” said Carter.

“It’s right on my doorstep, I’m a big Barrow fan anyway and I always go up on Sundays when they are at home.

“My nan and grandad are massive Barrow fans and never miss, and there’s obviously a bit extra signing for your hometown club, so I’m pretty proud about it.”

Even so, Furness Raiders graduate Carter admits it was tough decision to step up to the professional ranks from amateur club Barrow Island.

The goalkicking stand-off was at the forefront for Island during a year which saw them clinch automatic promotion from National Conference League Division Three, but ultimately the opportunity to test himself at professional level proved too tempting to resist.

“I’m really happy, but it was a bit of a tough decision at the time because Barrow Island are doing well and with them getting promotion the club is in a good place at the moment,” said Carter.

“But I just felt like, being nearly 20, it was a good time to test myself and step into the professional environment.

“It doesn’t really feel much different, it just feels like things have stepped up a bit and Furness Raiders has put me in really good stead. It’s pretty much made the pathway for me to make the step up.”

Carter has already gained some experience of the professional game, featuring in pre-season matches for the Raiders and had the chance to train with the senior squad.

The performances of good friend and former Furness team-mate Ryan Johnston in the Betfred Championship during the 2018 have given the 19-year-old plenty of confidence for the challenges which lie ahead too.

“I know it’s going to be hard and I probably won’t play many games, because I’ve got two great players in front of me in Lewis Charnock and Jamie Dallimore,” said Carter.

“But every time I train (with the first team) they offer help, I ask questions and they answer, and they’ve been really good to me.

“One of my mates, Ryan Johnston, is there and I look up to him a bit as well, but I’m ready for the challenge and I’m really looking forward to getting going.”