Dutch club 'signs up' hat-trick toddler

28 April 2011 Last updated at 15:46 Video of the toddler's feat was posted on YouTube by his father Jorg

A Dutch football club has awarded a toddler a symbolic 10-year contract after watching video of him scoring a hat trick into his toy box.

When Baerke van der Meij, one and a half, drove three balls into the box one after another, his father Jorg posted the video on YouTube.

VVV, the club in the south-eastern town of Venlo where the family live, invited Baerke for a "trial".

They were doubly impressed by the fact his grandfather had played for VVV.

"Baerke did his best to amaze professional footballer Ken Leemans with his football techniques," the club said.

"One can speak of a right-footed player with a very good kick technique, perseverance and, importantly, football genes of grandfather Jan van der Meij."

Importantly, too, the little Dutchman can shout "bal" (English: ball).

The signing of the contract, with a little help from Jorg, was toasted with a glass of orange juice.

The video originally posted on YouTube has been viewed at least 1.67m times.

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Broad signs new deal with Notts

Stuart Broad last turned out for Notts on Twenty20 finals day last summer Stuart Broad has signed a new three-year contract with Nottinghamshire.

The 24-year-old England fast bowler, who arrived at Trent Bridge from Leicestershire in 2007, is still on an ECB central contract.

His new deal with Notts, which runs until 2013, will only come into effect should he lose his England deal.

"We fully expect Stuart will maintain his England place for years to come but this re-affirms his commitment to us," said director of cricket Mick Newell.

Broad has made just a single one-day appearance, as well as playing three games in the Twenty20 and seven County Championship matches in his four years at Trent Bridge.

But he may be due to get in a few early season appearances once he has recovered from the side strain that forced him home early from England's unsuccessful World Cup adventure last month.

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Although his county apperances have been limited, he has always performed exceptionally well when he's turned out for us.

Mick Newell Nottinghamshire coach

And Notts can only hope that Broad, who played for them in the FP t20 finals day at the Rose Bowl last August, will hope that he turns in a repeat of the match-winning performance he produced on his last County Championship appearance.

Broad took 11 wickets in the match in his side's 10-wicket win over Warwickshire at Edgbaston in July, claiming a career best 8-52 in the second innings.

"We knew he was in the England selectors' thoughts when we signed him in 2008," added Newell.

"Although his county apperances have been limited, he has always performed exceptionally well when he's turned out for us."

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Ivanovic signs new Chelsea deal

Ivanovic was in the PFA Premier League team of the year last seasonChelsea defender Branislav Ivanovic has signed a contract extension which is set to keep him at the club until 2016.

The 26-year-old Serbia international moved to Stamford Bridge in January 2008 for an undisclosed fee.

He has made 99 appearances for the Blues and was named in last season's PFA Premier League team of the year.

"It is good news for me, it is a very big step for me in my career and I want to try to help Chelsea win a lot more trophies," he said.

"These things take a little time but my first vision was always to stay with Chelsea.

"There were not a lot of problems because I wanted to stay, the club wanted me to stay and I want to thank everyone who helped with the deal. I am very happy with that."

During his three years at the club Ivanovic has won two FA Cups as well as last year's Premier League title, and has scored seven goals.

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