Rebels stars get England call

FC United of Manchester are celebrating the success of their partnership with The Manchester College Football Academy after four of their young stars were called up to the England Colleges National Football Squad over the weekend.

The Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division Rebels already work within the college’s academy structure and last month announced that in September 2013 they were teaming up to launch a full time FC United Youth Academy programme at their new Moston stadium’s state-of-the-art training and playing facility.

FC United Under 18s stars and MCFA students Daniel Maynard, Frank Van Gils and Michael Taylor, pictured, were selected after making it through three phases of extended trials. FC United Under 18s defender James Brooks, who is a student at Wigan and Leigh College, was called up alongside the trio who play in the British Colleges Student Elite League.

With four players selected in the final 18 man England squad, FC United will be the most represented club when the group meets up for a training camp at the Football Association's new St George’s Park National Football Centre in January as they prepare for upcoming home nations fixtures against Wales and Scotland before touring Italy.

Karl Marginson, FC United’s manager and Head Coach of The Manchester College Football Academy, said: "Being selected for the England Colleges squad is a fantastic achievement for all four players and shows what hard work and positive attitudes can produce.

"Hopefully the players can continue with their development and I hope to see them progress to the level required to play for the FC United first team, and I am sure the experiences with the England Colleges will benefit them as players and enable them to do this."

FC United's General Manager Andy Walsh said: "Everyone at FC United is delighted that these exciting young players have been selected for the national side. Our partnership with The Manchester College just shows what opportunities can be created when both parties are committed to giving young people the right opportunities. We have a desire to improve our youth set up year on year and both the club and the College share a clear vision of where we are going and we are now developing a good track record for bringing through talented hard working players.

"Former college players Scott Cheetham and Cedric Krou are already part of our first team set up and former FC youth team and Manchester College captain, Nick Swirad is playing for Stocksbridge Park Steels. The club and especially our coaching team have a lot to be proud of."

Trials for male and female players aged 16-18 plus Year 11 school leavers hoping to win a place at the new academy are due to take place in February, April and May 2013.

By joining forces the Evo-Stik NPL club and academics aim to give local footballing talent the opportunity to develop their skills and gain academic qualifications on full time courses designed for the football industry.

To register for trials at the FC United Youth Academy visit: www.themanchestercollege.ac.uk/subject-area/sport/academies/trial-dates/enquiry