The Boy in a uniform - dating help please

[dawnsh]

Also found in the box of ephemera with the Victorian couple I posted about recently.

Again no real idea who this little chap is and what date this may have been taken.

I am currently wthout access to any photo manipulation software so am unable to enhance the text at the bottom.

I don't want to skew any opinions, but part of the family were in the workhouse for the 1901 census. The family lived in the Portsmouth area so could this chap have been sent to a training ship from the workhouse?

Any other suggestions appreciated.

[ShaunJ]

Possibly Boys Brigade?

[Sandblown]

The Belt, the Boy is wearing, looks very similar to the attached picture.

[Gadget]

I've had a play with the text part but it's not all that clear.

I'm thinking 1890s but it's just an overall feeling. Is there anything on the back at all?

add - Boys Brigade woul put it after Oct 1883.

[Sandblown]

The Boys Brigade was initially founded in 1883 Glasgow, by Sir William Alexander Smith.

[Gadget]

Yes- I added an addendum to my post - October of 1883 

[Sandblown]

Gadget, The Uniform looks like it is an early one, styled on Military Dress. Therefore, a date of late 1880s, or there abouts, might not be far off

[ShaunJ]

The Portsmouth "Gordon Boys Brigade" commenced operations in October 1889.

I couldn't find any photos of the Portsmouth brigade on a quick search but the Cheltenham one is well documented and the uniform is right: https://cheltenhamremembers.org.uk/wp-content/files/2018/06/Gordon-Boys-Brigade-and-WW1.pdf

[Gadget]

It looks like a dark card stock which was popular in late 1880s-mid 1890s.  I think early 1890s wouldn't be far out.