Congratulations to Alex (Year 8) on being one of just 40 players from across England selected as part of the England Independent Schools Team at U14 Level!

The selection process began with Alex being successful in trials to represent the South-Central region, which includes players from Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hampshire and Oxfordshire.  Around 20 players were selected for the region.

The second stage saw the South-Central team then compete in a three-day tournament during the Easter holidays against seven other regions from across England (North, Midlands and South).  This tournament acted as the final trial for England selection, where the Independent Schools Football Association coaches monitored the games and scouted their 40 players for the squad.

Alex was of course over the moon when finding out he had been selected for the team: “When I found out I had been selected, I felt really happy and proud. It meant a lot to represent my school and my area at an international level.  At 13 years old, the opportunity to represent my country is a dream come true and something I’ve worked very hard for. I’m really looking forward to the experience and the chance to keep developing as a player and getting the chance to participate in something unique that I will always remember.”

The next two years for Alex will be fun, fast and full of football! This season will be the entry point into the international programme, with the first year honing a focus on bringing the players together and playing against professional football academies across the country to develop the team.

There will also be multi-day training camps and festivals to continue improving. The Independent Schools Football Association’s aim is to progress from 40 players down to 20 players for the U15 season. At that stage, the team will begin playing more regularly against other countries at U15 level.

We are looking forward to supporting Alex across this incredible sporting journey. Alex is part of our Advanced Performer Programme and Football Enchantment Club, developing his skills such as agility, speed, strength and understanding of the game. Football is also a core sport at Leighton Park and Alex also benefits through annual football tours: “Leighton Park has supported my passion for football by giving me great opportunities like the football tour to Spain to improve and succeed. Being selected to represent England is a big achievement for me, and the school has played an important part in that. LP makes me feel confident and motivated to keep improving.”

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