Rising star gets England call

One of Evo-Stik Northern Premier League AFC Fylde’s rising young stars has been called up to the England Schoolboys squad for the upcoming International Centenary Shield campaign, writes Chris Park.

Striker Ryan Charnley, pictured, with seven first team appearances so far this season for the Premier Division's Coasters, has been selected for the U18’s squad and is looking forward to pulling on England shirt against Wales, the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and in the final match at Blackburn Rovers' Ewood Park Ground, Scotland.

Still only in his first year with AFC Fylde’s Academy set-up, the teenager broke into the first team within weeks of arriving at Kellamergh Park, scoring three goals in his first two pre-season games.

Coasters manager Dave Challinor couldn’t be more pleased for the 17-year-old and said: "He first came to my attention in an 'in house' game during pre-season in which the first team played the development squad. Straight away, I saw something in him and he has trained with us ever since.

"Those early performances really set him up because within weeks he had gained the respect of the dressing room based on his ability and he earned the contract he was offered and signed. This was a big thing and I believe has really allowed him to kick on.

“This rise from an under 16 triallist to a member of the first team squad has meant he's gone from being another young lad, to the one they all look up to. He's been placed on a pedestal by his peers if you like and this can lead to potential problems.

"He's a grounded young man though and has taken everything in his stride, listened to what we've told him and has showed maturity beyond his years. He also has fantastic support from his family and Ryan's achievement is an awful lot to do with them. I am sure they are very proud of him."

The Coasters manager is planning to see him in an England shirt at the upcoming games and urged the club’s fans to be at them too to support their young star.

He added: "In my eyes, he has a really bright future in the game and if I, as an individual, and us as a club can help him achieve his ambitions, it will give us all great satisfaction.

"I for one, can't wait to go to Wrexham, Bristol City and Blackburn to watch him play and I would urge as many people as possible to get along and give him your support.

"He will get physically stronger and develop as a player as he continues to grow and he has the opportunity to potentially play in this team for two years. He'll also have an England cap for the season which will be a reminder that no one will ever take away."

AFC Fylde’s Development Squad manager Andy Pilkington also sang his former charge’s praises.

He said: "This is a fantastic achievement for Ryan and it goes without saying we are very proud of him. He has worked very hard on a full time basis as part of the Academy and has progressed very quickly. He has been involved with the reserves all season and as we know he has a handful of first team appearances to his name, which at the age of 17 is remarkable.

"This is just reward for his commitment to the Academy, Preston's College and AFC Fylde and an opportunity I'm certain he will take with both hands. Everyone at AFC Fylde wishes Ryan every success in the next chapter of his early career and hopes that one day he will make as big an impact for AFC Fylde’s first team."