Harrogate footballer Luke Colman is celebrating a summer of football success after helping an England Schools representative side to international cup glory.
Having been selected for the Independent Schools Football Association’s (ISFA) Under-14 National Squad, the 13-year-old Ashville College pupil played a midfield role as they progressed unbeaten through the tournament that saw them face academy sides from England, Scotland and New York.
Luke even scored a goal in the thrilling 4-1 final win, as the ISFA youngsters remained unbeaten against the likes of Sheffield Wednesday, Charlton Athletic, Stockport County, Dundee and NCE New York, to lift the prestigious Specialist Soccer Boys’ Tournament Trophy.
Held over three days at Haileybury School in Hertfordshire, the tournament - which was won last year by USA team FC Delco - represents a major prize for the ISFA and Luke was delighted to have help lift the trophy, having faced some seriously tough opposition.
He said:
“It was a great experience to be a part of the winning squad.
“To spend three days playing competitive football and to score a goal in the final was amazing.
“Being able to test my skills against opponents who are training and playing for professional academy sides was also an exciting challenge, one which has made me even more determined to push on and earn more call-ups for the representative squad in the future.”
Luke has competed for ISFA’s U13 Yorkshire & North East Squad in the past and says he has been given the confidence to take the next step thanks to the depth of encouragement and support that he receives from his sports coaches at Ashville.
As well as captaining Ashville’s U13s football team, Luke plays for Pannal Sports Juniors and Harrogate & Craven District Schoolboys football teams.
Head of Ashville, Rhiannon Wilkinson, said:
“The whole Ashville family is proud of Luke and his impressive achievements representing his country over the summer.
“He has certainly done himself, the school and the ISFA proud in not only competing against, but also beating such an illustrious set of footballing academy opponents. Well done, Luke!”
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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