The Lancashire Under 16 and 14 football teams have welcomed three Penwortham Priory Academy pupils.

Jake Bolton and Mason McKay have been called up to Lancashire for the first time, while Jazmin Attwood has been made the captain of Lancashire Under 16s this season. 

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Jake, 15, is a right-back and is not at an academy – believed to be the only player in the Lancashire Under 16 squad who is not at a professional football club. 

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Jake said: “Priory put me forward for trials, which were in Blackburn, and I had to miss the second one due to Covid but got an email to say I had made the squad, which I think is 22 players.

“I am very honoured to be selected. I think I am the only player not to be at an academy. My dream is to be picked up by a professional club and be a professional footballer.” 

Mason, 13, is at AFC Fylde Academy and plays for Euxton Villa. The striker has been selected for the Lancashire Under 14s squad. 

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Mason said: “I went for the first trial at Blackburn, and they cut it down to 32 and then a final trial. I made the final 19. 

“I have been at Fylde for a year, and I really enjoy it. I am fast, I have a good shot, and I like scoring goals!” 

Jazmin has been a regular for Lancashire and has played from the Under 14 level. She helped her county win the ESFA Under 16 Girls Inter-County Final against Middlesex in September. 

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The 15-year-old is at Blackburn Rovers and has been made captain of the Under 16 side for this season.

Jazmin said: “The coach took me to one side at our first training session this season and told me – it’s a huge honour. Hopefully, I will be lifting some trophies this season!” 

Mark Bullock, Head of PE and Sport, said: “It’s unbelievable to have three county players in school.

“It’s amazing for Jake to be a non-academy player and get in the squad as well. That’s unusual, and it’s superb for him.”

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