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.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here