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Ashford trio called up to national squad

DESPITE their first team battling against relegation from the Ryman League first division, Ashford Town have something to celebrate, writes Stephen McCartney.

Three players of their under fourteen squad have been selected to represent the FDS National Squad.

Laurence Harvey, Danny Smith and Danny Shearing all attended a performance camp in Leeds and have been chosen after completing a grueling selection process that included technical, physiological and attitude testing.

The boys now have the chance to compete in the world renowned Dallas Cup in America, which the squad have been invited to.

The international tournament has been attended in past years by the likes of Real Madrid, AJAX, Boca Juniors, Manchester United, AC Millan, Sao Paulo, Bayer Leverkusen, Moscow Dynamo, Celtic, Everton and London sides Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

The trio will now attend regular training camps as well as continuing their training with Ashford Town, which is closely linked to the National Squads training methods.

Vince Shell, Ashford's under 14 manager said: "This is a magnificent achievement and with Jacob Arnold-Smith, who was unable to attend the performance camp being offered a provisional place, it means we have a very strong representation.

"The boys will now be able to compete against the very best and it will only benefit them and the rest of the team.

"I will also offer my services to the National Squad and will be keeping a close eye on their progress as I believe we have other players who next season should be looking to be selected.

"The most pleasing aspect of this is that we are beginning to develop players who are both physically and technically strong and should ensure we can challenge for the title next season," he told the club's website.