A TEENAGER from Barnsley played for England Schoolboys under 18s.
Ashton Powney, from Bolton-upon-Dearne, plays for Doncaster City in the NCEL Division One.
The 17-year-old became the first South Yorkshire Schools player to be called up for England since 1981 and made his debut in a 6-1 win over Wales in Cirencester. He played the first half as he was sharing minutes with another goalkeeper.
Ashton said: “There was quite a lot of pressure representing your country, town and village. I was nervous.
“We conceded in the first five minutes which wasn’t a good start. But to win 6-1 was great.
“It’s a good achievement to play for that team and to be the first from the area for a long time. I was pleased to get my family’s name in there.”
Ashton has previously been on trial at Scottish club Airdrieonians while being scouted by Sunderland among others.
He has recently completed a course to become a barber at Barnsley College while he is also working laying floors.
He said: “I hope I get the opportunity to play professional football at some point. I will just keep working hard and see what happens.”
