Just as 2019 is shaping up to be a defining year for Leicester Tigers, young second row George Martin is standing on the cusp of a crucial campaign in his fledgling career.

It was a vintage 2018 for the Loughborough-reared lock, who starred as the U18 Tigers team won their academy league with an unbeaten record while he made his Red Rose debut.

With the new U18 season revving up this weekend, towering forward Martin has his heart set on earning a professional contract next spring and making his Tigers dream a rich reality.

“It’s been a brilliant year and I’ve been very lucky to be given so many opportunities,” said the 17-year-old, who started playing at Fairfield Preparatory School.

“I think I just need to start this season well, keep my levels consistently high and see what happens. But it’s crunch time in February when I hope I’ve done enough to get a contract.

“The profile of the Under-18 competition is raised every year and we’re looking forward to defending our title and unbeaten stretch.

“The motivation is to wear the England jersey more and more and I idolise the likes of Maro Itoje, so that’s my dream but I need to take it one step at a time.”

Martin is planning to compete with the likes of Saracens’ Joel Kpoku and Worcester’s Ted Hill for a spot in Under-20s’ boiler room.

His cause is also being helped by The Nottingham Building Society, who are teaming up with charity SportsAid to support 50 local athletes as they try to find their ‘time to shine’, with each receiving £750 of funding.

Martin was one of 15 SportsAid-supported stars to attend a fun-filled Christmas celebration at The Nottingham’s city HQ, helping celebrate and bring the ongoing partnership to life.

Four top ice hockey aces from The Nottingham Panthers were in attendance to offer their advice to the upcoming athletes, while among activities was a Kit Challenge and Wheel of Fortune.

Martin was pleased to play his part in a memorable evening and even more delighted to hear professional endorsement for one of his favourite pastimes.

“Some lifestyle experts from Loughborough University were at the event and spoke about the importance of sleep – which was really good to hear,” said the teenager.

“It was a fun event to be a part of and nice to chat to athletes from different disciplines at similar stages in their development.

“It was interesting hearing how the ice hockey players managed their social lives away from sport, so there was a lot I could take away.”

Nottingham Building Society and Harrison Murray teamed up with SportsAid in 2013 to help future sports stars get their time to shine. Visit thenottingham.com to find out more.