JACK Martin, Sparsholt College’s under-17 first-year goalkeeper, is celebrating an England Schoolboys call-up.

The stopper has made the cut following the final round of trials at the England Schools’ FA headquarters in Staffordshire.

Martin’s selection crowns a unique achievement for Winchester-based Sparsholt who have now had five players called up in the past five seasons.

Neil Benson, Sparsholt’s Football Academy manager said: “Jack’s family live locally in Southampton, but Jack chose to reside on site to gain the best chance of advancing his opportunities on and off the pitch.

“We have a fantastic residential campus. We provide a pathway of gaining first-class academic qualifications whilst trying to fulfil football dreams with us.

“Jack is fortunate to have Patrick Wozniarsky, also from Southampton, and Jordi Valero, from Spain, as two training partners which has helped immensely.

“As ever is the case with these successes, the coaching team here at Sparsholt have worked hard with Jack.

“Lewis Benson, our head coach, has set a very busy training and match schedule for Jack which has been complimented by a specialist training programme by our visiting goalkeeping coach Steve Manning.

“As part of our Sparsholt Second Chance link with AFC Bournemouth, all three lads recently went for a vigorous two-day training ground visit with Joe Prodomo (goalkeeping coach) that assisted them all in their development .

“I know Jack would also like to pay a personal tribute to Robbie Yates and the goalkeeping coaches from ‘Between The Sticks’ who have aided his development as a goalkeeper enormously during this recent period.”

Martin can look forward to series of matches, both home and abroad, with the England Schoolboys side in the New Year.

“He is another of our fantastic squad of young players that are eager for success,” added Benson.

Sparsholt College Football Academy have a series of trial opportunities in the New Year.

Neil Benson can be contacted on 07860 150075 or at neil.benson@ sparsholt.ac.uk