Hartpury footballers make England Schools’ debuts

Two students from Hartpury College are set to make their debuts for England Schools this Friday as they take on Wales.

Josh Poole and Lewis Binns, both regulars in Paul Tassell’s junior academy first team this season, will be in with a chance of starting the game held at Lincoln FC’s Sincil Bank stadium.

“It’s an honour to be selected to represent your country; it’s every little boy’s dream no matter what level it’s at”, said Level 3 Extended Diploma Football student, Poole. “It will be a fantastic experience playing at a proper stadium as well; I’m really looking forward to it!”

Lewis Binns, who lives in Wales, says it will be interesting potentially lining up against people he knows:

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“It will great to pit myself against the best players from schools in Wales, especially as living there I know a few of the lads who I’ll be up against.”

“I didn’t imagine when I first came to Hartpury that I’d reach this level but thanks to the coaching staff and the hard work I’ve put in it’s become possible”, the A level student added.

Binns and Poole both helped Hartpury to the semi-finals of the England Schools FA Cup this year and are currently part of a team that are still challenging for four titles.

Paul Tassell, Junior Academy Manager at Hartpury College, was delighted to see two of his players make the grade.

“I am ecstatic and proud to now see two members of our Junior Academy in the prestigious England Schools squad of 16 for the upcoming centenary shield internationals against Wales and Northern Ireland” He said.

“With such a rigorous selection process, having two players in the squad of 16 it is great reward for these players and the programme we have here at Hartpury” he added.

“Lewis Binns was originally selected for the squad and has shown his ability consistently down the left side in the academy team this year even in his first year with us. His commitment and application is exceptional. Centre back Josh Poole has been called up after originally missing out on the final 16 but his performances in the ESFA Cup has proved himself and I always felt he should have been in the squad. He will be a huge asset with his temperament and speed. We are immensely proud and we look forward to seeing them play for their country over the next two weeks.”

The first game takes place at Sincil Bank in Lincoln this Friday before the boys will travel to Plymouth next Friday for the game against Northern Ireland at Home Park.