Following a series of local and national trials, Bridgwater & Taunton College student and talented footballer Luke Manley has been selected to play for the England Schools FA, earning himself a coveted place in the 20-man squad and the opportunity to play in the Centenary Shield, a competition hotly contested by the home nations.
Luke, 17, who lives in Crewkerne and is a former Wadham School pupil, plays for the College’s first team and also plays in the ECFA South West Colleges League for Team BTC and the Bridgwater Town FC U18 partnership team.
Luke is working hard towards A Levels in Geography, Business and English Language, whilst training and playing high-level football with Team BTC alongside his studies. Since he started at College in September, He has also represented Taunton Town FC in the Somerset County Cup, where he was a standout player.
Luke is due to meet up with his new ESFA team mates in January 2019 when they have their first friendly fixture versus the RAF. Later that month they are due to play Australia, and further plans include an overseas training camp later in the year.
Luke said,
“I am delighted. It will be an honour to represent the country in what I love and enjoy doing most. I still have to work hard now in order to make the most of this chance. I would also like to thank Team BTC and Bridgwater & Taunton College for presenting this opportunity to me and helping me along the way.”
Jamie Laird, Team BTC Manager, added,
“Everyone at Team BTC and Bridgwater & Taunton College is extremely proud of Luke. His hard work and dedication since being involved with Team BTC sets a fantastic example to our current and future students. We wish him all the very best in this fantastic opportunity to go and represent his country and am sure he will do himself proud.
Luke’s outstanding progress is evidence of the unique player pathway and local partnerships that we are very fortunate to have here at the College. He is one of several players this season who have come into our Team BTC programme and been involved with the College first team, Bridgwater Town Reserves and already made an appearance for Taunton Town FC.”
Find out more about how Team BTC brings out the best in our students here.
