A COLLEGE student in Eastleigh has been called up for the England Colleges Football Association National Team.

Barton Peveril Sixth Form College student Gus Banhire was selected as part of the 26-man squad following a pair of trials in Bristol and Gloucester on November 1 and November 10 respectively.

Banhire competed against 60 other players from his region to make it through the first trial, then when the numbers were cut to 50 for the second trial, he performed well and made the final 26.

Speaking on his success and the future, Gus Banhire said: “It is a huge honour to be selected to represent England College playing the sport I love, it’s a real dream come true. I cannot wait to get started and am very excited as to what the future holds. I’m looking forward to building relationships and have the experience of a lifetime whilst giving 100% for my nation.”

The striker currently plays for both Barton Peveril’s Elite Football Team and Winchester City Football Club and is hopeful that he will be selected as one of 20 players to represent England Colleges at a tournament in Italy in February.

The final squad will be selected after their initial two-day training session held at England’s training ground, St. George’s Park.

Barton Peveril’s Director of Sport, Luke Hampton, said: “Gus’ achievement is fantastic, especially as he is the first Barton Peveril student to be selected for the England Colleges team in ten years. We’re all eager to see how he continues to develop, across competitions for the College, Winchester City FC and the national squad.”