It has been a memorable summer for Oscar in year 10. He was selected to take part in an England attackers’ training day in August at St George’s Park in Staffordshire, home to all of England’s national men’s, women’s and para football teams.
The attackers’ training day was part of an England Goalkeeping Camp. Oscar’s parents received an email early in the summer term informing them that Oscar was close to being selected to take part. It was totally unexpected, says Oscar. At the time he was resting an injury.
Fast forward a few tense weeks. Oscar was out with his friends when he got a FaceTime call from his parents who forwarded him the official confirmation that he had been selected.
“Congratulations on your selection into this England squad. Both you and your family should be very proud of your involvement … On behalf of everyone at The FA, I would like to wish you the best of luck for this call-up and we really look forward to welcoming you to St. George’s Park.”
Congratulations on your selection into this England squad.
The FA
Oscar and his dad travelled down to St George’s Park on Tuesday 25 August. He was greeted by one of the coaches who gave him a tour of the facilities and then took him down for breakfast (Greek yogurt and oats) – eating in exactly the same place as the England squads eat.
The changing rooms were – in his words – “unbelievable”. This is where he put on the England kit for the first time.
A morning training session was followed by a recovery session – an ice bath and a swim. This, says Oscar, was a real ‘pinch-me’ moment, swimming in the pool that he has seen on social media and used by players such as Harry Kane.
After lunch there was a classroom session learning about things like the meaning and significance of the England badge and then some social time, playing pool, table tennis and head tennis.
After an afternoon training session it was time to get changed back into his Preston kit and head for home. Alas, they weren’t allowed to keep the England kit!
Oscar said:
“I am proud of myself for how far I have come in the last couple of years. Some people didn’t think I could do it and I wanted to prove them wrong. I have now!”
Oscar currently plays for Merseyside and Preston North End U15s as well as for the school.
Oscar is an outstanding Ridgeway role model – on and off the pitch. Well done, Oscar!
Mr Sterry
