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Harrogate footballer selected to play for national schools squad

Monday, 16 June 2025 07:57

Future star: 13-year-old footballer Luke Colman.

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.

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