Students selected for England U15 Football Training Camps

Congratulations to Harry French and Mirsad Ali, both in Year 10, who have been selected to attend the England U15 Football Training Camps. Harry and Mirsad are part of the Ratcliffe College partnership with the Leicester City Football Club Academy Programme. Both students will gain some invaluable training experience and development opportunities at the England Football Training Camps later this month.

Mr Steve Thorpe, Head of Biology and the LCFC Academy Liaison Officer at Ratcliffe College, said: “Since joining Ratcliffe, the boys have been working hard to balance their football commitments with their studies. We are all very proud of what they have achieved so far, both on and off the pitch.”

Mr Matt Clark, Head of Academy Education at LCFC, commented: “This is a reward for the commitment Harry and Mirsad have put into their Football and personal development over the years in the Youth Development Phase of the programme. In addition, it is a proud moment for their families and recognition of all the support they give the boys.”

He explained: “The boys will get the chance to play with and against individuals from various academies, as well as working with different coaches and education staff at the Academy. They will have the opportunity to bring parts of their learning from the England Training Camps back to Leicester City, which we hope will benefit them in the long term.”

“Hopefully, this will be just the beginning of a much bigger success story for Mirsad and Harry. It is great to see that through the various opportunities offered and tuition given at Ratcliffe College, our pupils really can achieve their dreams.” 

Mirsad said: “I am extremely happy to be part of the Under 15 National squad; it’s a moment to really be proud of. This is only the beginning and the hard work continues in the coming weeks. Hopefully I will get many more opportunities and it will lead to my first International Cap.”

Harry added: “My football journey began aged six, initially as a midfielder and then I moved position and ended up as a Goalkeeper for Mansfield Town Academy by the age of ten. I joined Leicester Football Academy in 2017 following a successful trial and have enjoyed experiences of playing against many Cat 1 Academies.”

He explained: “In early 2020 I developed a stress fracture of the spine and after seven months of rest and rehabilitation I fought back to be stronger and fitter than ever. Hard work and determination has resulted in me being scouted by England and I am really looking forward to attending my first England Goalkeeper Camp at St Georges Park.”

Both boys will no doubt continue with their commitment and hard work thanks to the full-time training model provided by this special partnership, and as model academy players and pupils, they have dared to think BIG!

To find out more about how to uncover your potential at Ratcliffe College, don’t forget to look out for the Encouraging Big Ideas film which will launch next week. Or book a place online for our forthcoming Open Morning on Saturday 6th March 2021.