16 hours ago
North Yorkshire teen set to debut for the English Independent Schools National Squad
A NORTH Yorkshire teenager is set to compete against the best young footballing talent in the UK after being picked to play at national level.
Luke Colman, aged 13 and a Year 8 pupil at Ashville in Harrogate, has been selected for the Independent Schools Football Association's (ISFA) U14 National Squad.
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In doing so, he is aiming to follow in the footsteps of football stars such as Frank Lampard, James Beattie, Quinton Fortune, Fraser Foster who all competed as part of ISFA teams before forging successful careers at the highest level.
The team plays international fixtures against the likes of Wales Schools and Scotland Schools, as well as matches including the Academy sides of major Premiership clubs at prestigious stadiums across the country.
Luke, who plays at the centre of midfield, has competed for ISFA's U13 Yorkshire & North East Squad.
He was promoted to the national squad after successfully competing at a Regional Representative Festival over Easter.
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As well as captaining Ashville's U13s football team, Luke plays for Pannal Sports Juniors and Harrogate & Craven District Schoolboys Football Teams.
He said: 'I enjoy all kinds of sports – including rugby, hockey, basketball, cricket, swimming and athletics – and all the Ashville specialist coaches have been so supportive in developing my skills and giving me the confidence to progress to the next level.
'I'm very much looking forward to making my debut for ISFA's National team and competing with and against some really talented young footballers. It will be a new experience - one I hope I can build on.'
Head of Ashville, Rhiannon Wilkinson, said: 'Luke excels across an array of school sports and his selection is just reward for his abilities and hard work.
"The whole Ashville family is looking forward to his representing his school, home town and his country and winning his first 'cap'.
"We hope it is the first of many.'
