Herts School Pupils Chosen to Represent England in Youth Football Tournament

Eight talented girls and boys at York House, a local independent prep school on the outskirts of Croxley Green, are among the few elite football players that have been selected to represent England in the Gothia Youth World Cup this year.

Part of the Prep-School Lions at York House School, the players were given the opportunity to showcase their terrific skills at representative level against academies and other regional teams across the south of England, before being selected.

More than 100 schools entered and over 600 players competed in the trials last season. York House has previously had a great deal of success with its Lion squads over the last few years and both girls and boys train in a manner that promotes an enjoyable style of play, with a high intensity in defence and attack. Over the years and to this current day, York House has mixed boys and girls fixtures featured throughout its games programme from junior level through to senior.

Lauren Kelly, Head of Girls Games at York House said: ‘We are extremely proud of our pupils, who have all shown the commitment and determination to compete and perform amongst a huge talent pool. We truly believe that this exposure to the technical and physical side of the game has pushed our pupils to the next level.’

During their trip the York House players will receive top quality coaching and will attend special workshops run by the coaching staff and physiotherapists on issues such as nutrition and hydration, sports psychology and injury prevention. Off the pitch, the players will socialise with players from a variety of different cultures and backgrounds. 

‘The tournament is a fantastic environment for the players to develop both as footballers and as young boys and girls,’ added Ms Kelly.

As one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world, over 80 nations will take part, bringing together some of the most talented youth footballers in the world. The opening ceremony will take place in the world famous Ullevi Stadium, with over 52,000 spectators and the finals are expected to be watched by 30,000 fans and broadcast globally.

Jon Gray, Headmaster at York House School, commented: ‘I’m thrilled for our children, this is such an amazing opportunity for them all and I’m also incredibly thankful to our passionate PE department for their continued support in inspiring and encouraging our young sports people to reach for their dreams.’

Congratulations goes to all of the talented students from York House who have each been selected to represent England in the Gothia Youth World Cup 2023.

See York House’s online listing here.