AKS aces seize chances on big stage

Footballers Alex Clayton and Isaac Eastham had training camps with the U15 and U16 National Independent School’s FA squads respectively at the FA training centre at St George’s Park, Burton.

Goalkeeper Alex played against the Birmingham City and Leicester City Academy sides, while Isaac played in the midfield against Birmingham and Norwich.

Both boys are looking forward to the start of the AKS football season as well as future involvement with their ISFA squads.

AKS First XV rugby captain Ellis Whorlton-Jones took part in the North of England U18 trials.

Having missed the last two years due to a long-term injury, Ellis played for the Lancashire U18 side, which provided nine players for the trial.

The trial day entailed a rigorous assessment of skills and game understanding before a match in Leeds.

Ellis, along with a strong contingent of seven team-mates from Lancashire, gained their selection for the North of England U18 team to play against a combined Newcastle Falcons and Leeds Carnegie Academy side before playing the Midlands in an England trial in February.

Hockey player Mollie Mason has been in terrific from for the AKS First XI, despite still being an U15 player.

Her skills and tenacity have been both recognised as Mollie attended a North of England Development Camp.

Having competed at the English Schools Athletics Championships last summer, Mollie was selected to attend the England U16 Hockey High Performance Assessment Camp.

This involved four tough days of training with the most talented young players from all over the country, led by England coaches.

The aim was to give elite players first-hand experience of an international training environment in preparation for potential future involvement in the England Junior squad.