Wakefield College Football Development Programme (FDP) student Owen Kirman was selected for the England Colleges National Football Team last month and made his debut for the national team at St George's Park, the home of English football.
Kirman made it through several trial phases held all across the country and was selected for the 24-man squad consisting of the best college players in the country. Previous players have gone on to play in the Premier League, EFL and even the England National team such as Nick Pope (Goalkeeper for Burnley & England).
The first bit of action was a training camp held at St George's Park which is the base of all of England’s national football teams. This involved training sessions with the coaching team and ex-pros, tactical briefings, teambuilding challenges, access to the elite facilities on offer and two matches of international standard in front of more than 70 scouts. The camp lasted two days and included an overnight stay in the on-site Hilton Hotel, free food and drink prepared by the St George's Park nutritionists and chefs, physio support and a cap presentation for players.
Kirman made his debut on the first night in a game against the independent schools national team. After a stalemate first half, Kirmans forward runs and movement carved the defence open creating chances for the team and he came within a whisker of scoring himself. Kirman made a well-timed run to meet a beautifully lofted ball over the top of the defence that he picked up and rounded the keeper only to have his shot cleared off the line by a piece of brilliant defending. With good work out of possession, he helped create more chances and goals as the team eventually ran out 2-0 winners.
The squad usually go out to Rome to compete in the Roma Caput Tournament, an international tournament against other nations including Italy, Romania, Greece and Malta. Given the current COVID-19 situation, the tournament is in real doubt. However, organisers are looking at a backup plan to play against the home nations as well as against some professional teams and academies.
Kirman is the first Wakefield College student to ever represent the national team and shows the strength of the Colleges FDP and the development of local Wakefield players.
Commenting on being selected, Owen said: “I had a great time down at St George's Park with the England team, it was a fantastic time and we had great coaches. It wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for the college and my college coach Ben Severn who gave me this great opportunity and helped me progress massively in football.”
Head of Wakefield Colleges Sports Academy Ben Severn who is also one of the national team coaches said: “It’s a great honour to see Owen represent his country. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Owen when he was a youngster at Doncaster Rovers FC academy, at Wakefield College, for Wakefield AFC and now for the national team. The football programme at Wakefield College is going from strength to strength and hopefully, Owen can be the first of many to represent the college and city at a national level.”