Louis Tomlinson
Louis Tomlinson Reuters

One Direction star Louis Tomlinson has joined Doncaster Rovers as a non-contract player, according to sports website Goal.com.

The 21-year-old said he was thrilled at being able to play for the football club, calling it "a childhood dream". The singer has been handed the No 28 shirt for the 2013/14 season. Tomlinson earlier worked at the club's Keepmoat Stadium as a hospitality waiter before getting noticed on ITV show X Factor.

"This has always been a childhood dream for me," he told the club's official website, "I feel very honoured to have been asked to sign for Rovers and being able to help both the club and the amazing charity Bluebell Wood is what it's all about."

The club's chairman, John Ryan, wore the same jersey number a decade ago, when he became the oldest person to play for a professional football club in England.

"I am honoured to let Louis play in my number to help raise money for the charity. I wore this in 2003 for my record beating appearance at Hereford and this is the first time I have allowed it to be used since but I felt this was a good cause," Ryan said.

Doncaster play in the Championship and open their season on Saturday, when they host Blackpool.

Meanwhile, Tomlinson previously took part in a charity match in aid of Bluebell Wood Hospice.

"We're absolutely thrilled and delighted that Louis has decided to continue his support for Bluebell Wood and promote what we do here," Claire Rintoul, chief executive at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice said, "Being a local lad it's great to see him giving back to the community and supporting our children with a shortened life expectancy. He's visited us now on more than one occasion and met some of our children and their families who are all so excited that he is championing our cause."

"Louis was shocked when he learnt that we only receive a tiny amount of statutory funding and have to raise over £3m ourselves, but it means so much to us and our children and families that he's giving his time to help us raise money and awareness," she continued.