A Harrogate pupil is set to compete against the best young footballing talent in the UK after being picked to play at national level.
13-year-old Luke Colman has been selected for the Independent Schools Football Association’s (ISFA) U14 National Squad.
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.
Ashville pupil 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.
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.”
ISFA is affiliated to The Football Association (FA) and is recognised by The FA as the body responsible for the development of the game in the independent sector.
Around 800-900 boys and girls take part in ISFA representative trials and events each season.

Harrogate MP joins volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels
'Cruel and controlling': Harrogate man jailed after years of abuse
Harrogate Brewing Co win awards for region's best beer
Ripon pub owners named national winners of community award
Knaresborough pubs to host premiere of festive film shot in the town
Air ambulance rescue teenager after horror quad bike crash near Pateley Bridge
Country estate set to be powered by solar energy
Harrogate law firm retains top-tier recognition in UK legal guides
Your Harrogate to launch Lewis Capaldi ticket giveaway during Stray Bonfire
Harrogate strongman set to compete for British title
Calls for Yorkshire Water Chief to resign following "immoral and unjustifiable" offshore payments
Long-established Harrogate tech shop set to move to bigger premises
Warnings after confirmation of bird flu in North Yorkshire
First look at Harewood House's Bridgerton-inspired Christmas
Harrogate's most festive pub to return this month
Ripon hotel scoops two national awards following public vote
Remembrance Sunday: Events, parades and road closures
Harrogate care residents race wheelchairs in support of Meals on Wheels
Harrogate stay and play café announces 'heartbreaking' closure
Newly refurbished pub near Knaresborough named among best in UK


