Paulton Rovers defender Alex Ball's main job is to produce the football stars of the future – this afternoon he has the chance to become an FA Cup hero of the present.

Ball, 28, came through the Bristol City youth production line in the 1990s and is now back at Ashton Gate, coaching the club's Under-12 side.

But today it will be him being cheered on by his young hopefuls – not the other way around – when Paulton face Norwich City live on ITV1 in the FA Cup first round.

Ball's side have battled through to this stage of the cup for the first time to make this the biggest week in the club's history – and also the busiest of Ball's life.

But, thanks to the goodwill of Bristol City Academy director John Clayton, Ball will be able to enjoy the full FA Cup experience.

Ball usually trains the Under-12s on Monday, Wednesday and Friday nights, as well as managing them on Sundays and training with Paulton on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

"John has been really good to me," said Ball, when I caught up with him this week. "I spoke to him after the Academy played on Sunday and said to him I had a busy week and it all seems to clash with my coaching at City.

"He has been brilliant because he has given me some time off.

"We are going to a health day at Combe Grove Manor, in Bath, to help us relax and we are having new shirts done with sponsors.

"I haven't had much stick about the game, more they have been really positive and supportive. I have had lots of good luck messages, although a few have said 'Don't make a fool of yourself live on TV'.

"Some of the (Bristol City youth) lads have said to me 'Make sure you mention us if you score', but the only chance of me scoring is in my own net!

"We are very privileged to work with the players at Bristol City. You can never tell at 12 if they are going to make it to the top but there are a couple there who have a particular talent. I came through Bristol City's youth programme from the age of 10 when I started, until I was 19 or 20.

"It had a positive impact on me in that I stayed involved in the game."

The youth development doesn't stop when Ball links up with Paulton.

At Winterfield Road, the club vice-captain plays alongside two of Bristol Rovers' brightest young prospects, striker Neikell Plummer and centre-half James Tyrell.

The teenage pair are on loan from the League One club.

Plummer scored the winner in the third qualifying round victory over Newport County.

"They have had a good impact," said Ball. "They have brought a bit of quality with their fitness from their full-time training."

Five divisions separate Paulton and Norwich.

"It is a real thrill. It is a big occasion and we are all looking

forward to it," said Ball.

"We have gone about it the hard way – we have played five games to get here from back in August.

"But the cup is a great leveller and it won't be easy for them coming to a place like ours.

"It is going to be hard for them to get their heads round coming to a place like ours, because it is a tight ground and a lively atmosphere, even though there will only a few thousand there."

After leaving Ashton Gate, Ball played briefly for Clevedon Town before linking up with the now defunct Team Bath outfit for four years.

Ball then moved on to Mangotsfield United prior to his move to Paulton.

While at Team Bath, Ball experienced the FA Cup limelight when the Scholars became the first university side to reach round one in more than 100 years, as Mansfield Town ran out 4-2 winners at the University of Bath campus ground.

"On paper it should be easy for Norwich, but in the cup we know that sometimes it doesn't work like that," said Ball. "There is no pressure on us – we are not expected to win or do anything. We can go out there and enjoy the occasion and make the most of the atmosphere

"In 2002 I was lucky enough to be at Team Bath when we were live on TV against Mansfield in the first round. I have learned from that and I will stay relaxed and enjoy the occasion."

Ball is also keen to point out that Paulton's season is not just about the FA Cup. They are seventh in Division One South and West of the Southern League, having pushed hard for promotion to the Premier Division last year. He added: "Our main focus this season is the league. Like the manager, Andy Jones, says, we are never going to win the FA Cup."