Jack Beerling and Noah Carney called up for England Schoolboys'

The English Schools’ Football Association has announced the 18 players chosen to represent the England Under 18 Schoolboys for the 2021-22 season following trials.

The ESFA concluded their search for the best schools’ footballers that England has to offer with the final England under 18 Schoolboys’ trial taking place at the Lilleshall National Sports Centre.

The successful boys have progressed through a rigorous selection process from October until December to be finally selected to represent their country.

Two of the 18 players selected turn out for Kent clubs with Jack Beerling playing for Cray Valley (Paper Mills) and striker Noah Carney, 17, representing Dover Athletic.

All of the players were first nominated by their county sides to attend regional trials that led to the construction of four regional squads, the North, Midlands, South East and South West.  These squads then went head-to-head in Step two of the trials process and formed the North and South squads that travelled to Lilleshall at the weekend for the final stage of the process.

“Making the final stage of the trials is a huge personal achievement for all the boys who attended and something they can be proud of,” said Mark Hignett, ESFA Chairman.

“We are delighted to be able to name this years’ England Under 18 Schoolboys Squad.  It’s a fantastic achievement for these players to have made it through what is a tough trials process, to be able to go on and represent their School, District, County and their Country for this year’s International Season.

“On behalf of the English Schools’ FA, I would like to congratulate each and every selected boy on their achievement and also pass on my thanks to their parents for the commitment and support they have also shown.

“Finally, I would like to congratulate all the players that were selected to take part in this year’s trials process and wish them the very best for the rest of this season.”

Dover Athletic Academy manager Mike Sandmann told the club website: “All of us at the Dover Athletic Academy and The Abbey School (in Faversham) are extremely proud of Noah.  To get the opportunity to represent your country at any level is a truly fantastic achievement.

“I am so pleased for him that his hard work and determination to succeed is getting the recognition it deserves.

“His family I know will be extremely proud and they also deserver to enjoy this exciting news for the part they continue to play in Noah’s success.

“I know this experience will be invaluable for Noah’s development and we are all looking forward to seeing how his journey continues to develop.”

Carney made his first-team debut, coming off the bench during Saturday’s FA Trophy Third Round 1-0 home defeat to their National League rivals Bromley.

Beerling, meanwhile, has made three first-team appearances for Cray Valley, the current Isthmian League South East Division leaders.

Manager Kevin Watson has started Beerling in two London Senior Cup ties and one Kent Senior Cup tie and has warmed the subs bench during seven games.

The final squad will go on to complete in some friendly matches in the New Year, including a game against The RAF.  They will then be involved in some preparatory training before their competitive fixtures at the end of the season in the prestigious Centenary Shield.

Visit England Schoolboys' FA website: www.schoolsfootball.org