A STAFFORD Rangers youngster is to make his debut for the North of England independent schools’ under-18 team against Leicestershire schoolboys.
Sixteen-year-old Billy Thorley impressed at the opening ISFA (Independent Schools’ Football Association) trial at Blackburn involving players across northern England and part of the Midlands.
The Stafford Grammar School midfielder was among a group of 28 selected for recent trial matches against Cheshire schoolboys at Repton, where his performance earned him a place in the final squad of 18.
He is joined by fellow Stone teenager Lewis Ratcliffe, who attends Repton School. Following a warm-up match against Leics next month, the northern outfit will compete against its counterpart from the south, with places in the ISFA under-18 England team at stake.
