England bound Smalley hits the big time

Farsley AFC and Leeds City College player Jarrod Smalley was celebrating over the weekend after receiving an international call-up to represent England Colleges Under 17s.

Smalley, who plays in the Leeds City College Academy's first team, jetted off to Rome on Monday for the prestigious Roma Caput Mundi tournament.

The 17-year-old, pictured in his new England kit, said: "It feels really good to be representing my country in Italy. I never expected to get the call but I am over the moon."

The college and Evo-Stik NPL First Divison North Farsley have worked in partnership for the last four years, together producing players to progress through the reserves and into the first team at Throstle Nest.

Smalley is unlikely to be the partnership's last success story. Next season will see the introduction of the Farsley AFC Academy U19 team which will compete in the Conference Youth Alliance. Coaches and academics hope the new team will push more talented players like Smalley to progress further in both the game and their overall education.

Farsley assistant manager Mark Jackson is also Head of Football at Leeds City College Head and he's delighted with Smalley's call-up.

He said: "This is a fantastic achievement for Jarrod and reflects the hard work he has put in so far this season. He is a pleasure to coach and has a bright future with Farsley and the College in coming seasons."

Smalley is already one of a select few players who've already been accepted into the newly formed Academy structure for next season. He will be joined by successful applicants from the forthcoming trials in February.

For more information on the Farsley AFC Academy trial dates you can contact Jackson at mark.jackson@leedscitycollege.ac.uk or keep an eye on Farsley AFC's official website for more information.