Sparsholt College Football Academy student, Ryan Penny has been selected by the English Schoolboy’s Football Association (ESFA) to play for the Under 18 England Schoolboy Squad. Selected from hundreds of young hopefuls, Ryan flew through the final trials held at Lilleshall National Sport Centre, bringing him one step closer to his dream of playing professional football.
Ryan Penny, who is currently in the second year of his Sparsholt Football Academy course said: “The trials took me out of my comfort zone but I thoroughly enjoyed the process and am thrilled to have been selected. Famous footballers including Michael Owen have played on the ESFA Schoolboys team so I’m in the best company and it’s a fantastic platform to help me get to where I want to be in my future career.”
Commenting on how Sparsholt helped him prepare for the trials, Ryan said: “I chose to study at Sparsholt for three reasons: their professional links with football clubs, the amazing training facilities on campus and the strong emphasis on education. After completing my college studies, I plan to study Sport at degree level to strengthen my position as a future professional player, so a strong set of grades are vital to my success.”
Learn more about the Sparsholt Football Academy and it’s new partnership with AFC Bournemouth through their Second Chance Elite programme at Open Day on Saturday 3 February 2018, 10am-2pm