Futsal natural Jake Ashworth will be getting a taste of the big time after earning an England call-up.

The Blessed Trinity RC College student is in the England under-18 partially-sighted squad for a get-together and training session at St George’s Park – the new centre of excellence for English football – next month.

And his international recognition follows a rapid rise through the ranks for Jake, whose first taste of the sport came when he tried his luck with the Lancashire Football Association.

“The first time I played it was when I went for Lancashire trials,” said the 15-year-old, who lives in Pendle Way, Burnley and plays regular football for Barrowford Celtic under-15s.

“I started playing for them and I was doing all right and it went from there.

“I have always played football, although I am better at Futsal because it suits me better. But to be picked by England was an incredible feeling.

“It’s a great privilege and honour.”

Futsal is a version of small-sided football using a smaller ball with a lower bounce than normal five-a-side and hockey-sized goals.

Popular across Europe, the sport, which places demand on technique, movement, tactical awareness and fitness, is gaining a foothold in England.