Academy player Kyrie Pierre has joined Aston Villa for a record fee received by the Academy for a player.
The U16's playmaker has linked up with the Premier League side after impressing Villa's scouts in fixtures for the Rovers Academy sides.
The undisclosed fee involved is a record payment received by the Academy for a youth player and will allow the setup to continue to develop and produce the next generation of players in the years to come.
Speaking about the deal, Academy Manager Chris Hargreaves said, "‘Kyrie is a fantastic young man and a very capable player and everyone at the Academy is delighted for him to be joining such a historic football club.
"Having spoken to Mark Harrison (Academy Manager) at Aston Villa, we wanted to allow Kyrie and his family the opportunity to speak to the club.
"Both Mark and I have built a good relationship and look forward to working together over the coming years.
"The move works for all parties, primarily of course for the player and his family, and also for the Academy and Bristol Rovers Football Club.
"This is a record fee for our Academy and means that the Academy can look to become more sustainable and fit the brief of producing high-quality players that can play in our first team, whilst being realistic that in a competitive market place, players may have the opportunity to develop at Premier League clubs.
"It is all about the player in these situations and we wish Kyrie and his family the best of luck going forward and we will be keeping a keen eye on his progression."