Eastleigh teenager Charlie Gunson has been selected for the England Schools’ under 18s – leaving Sparsholt College beaming with pride.

The 17-year-old footballer, who studies at the college near Winchester, came through trials at Lilleshall this week and, out of thousands of hopefuls, Gunson’s talent shone through, while team-mate, keeper Mark Childs, narrowly missed out.

The Bishopstoke youngster will now be in the young Three Lions side to play in three international matches, including one at Eastleigh’s Silverlake Stadium on March 6 against Northern Ireland.

“I was initially speechless but I am clearly thrilled,” Gunson said. “I cannot wait to pull on the England shirt.

“To have one of the games played at Eastleigh, my home town, and so close to Sparsholt College will give friends, family, team mates and staff, the opportunity to watch me play.”

Gunson plays for the Southampton FC Second Chance Programme at the college-based academy, which is run in partnership with the Premier League high-fliers.

Catering for 16 to 19-year-olds, the academy aims to develop players’ footballing potential while giving them the chance to study for national qualifications in sport.

“Charlie’s selection for an England cap has come as marvellous news for us all,” academy manager Neil Benson said.

“He has made tremendous progress during his time at Sparsholt College, enjoying the top class training and match facilities we have here on the campus.

“The new sports centre, with its fantastic gym, has played a massive part in Charlie’s physical conditioning and he is fortunate to enjoy our superb match facilities, which have been created by the college’s onsite grounds team.

“The partnership with Southampton Football Club has undoubtedly provided Charlie with excellent training and match opportunities at Staplewood.

“This, coupled with the high standards delivered in-house here have prepared Charlie physically, mentally, technically and tactically to play at the highest level."

While Benson and his coaching team at Sparsholt have aided Gunson's development to this point, the head wanted to recognise the work done by Luke Hampton and Steve Perkins at the Hampshire schools team.

He was also keen to thank Southampton's Staplewood academy for access to their world class facilities.

Saints academy manager Matt Hale also showered the youngster in praise. 

“It is the highest honour to represent your country at any sport, and Charlie’s achievements should not be overlooked.

"It is a reflection of not just his ability but the hard work and commitment he has shown at developing his potential and also those that have worked hard to support him.

"A real proud moment for his family no doubt, equally so for Southampton Football Club and our Sparshalt Second Chance Programme in particular.”

Benson, who is also the manager of Sydenhams Premier Andover Town, works round the clock with his youngsters at the academy and after this latest success story he is keen to press-on.

He is eager to recruit players from around the country to develop at Sparsholt, which includes accommodation for players.

“My role is to scoop up the best players in our age range,” said Benson. “We’re looking for those players that may be late developing.

“We are looking to recruit players of all levels, from the elite tier right through. We want to get players from the local community, because there is a brilliant resource of players there, but also around the nation.”

For school leavers looking for opportunities at the academy there are a number of trial days coming up.

Contact Neil Benson on 07860 150075 or email neil.benson@sparsholt.ac.uk to organise that.

  •  England Schools' under 18 will play Australia on the 4 February 2015 in a friendly before games against Wales in late February, Northern Ireland (March) and Scotland  in April as part of the Boys Under 18 Centenary Shield.