Young Stone goalkeeper Lewis Ratcliffe made his debut for a national schools team in a recent tournament.
The 14-year-old Stafford Grammar shot-stopper was called-up to the Independent Schools’ Association (ISA) national squad after catching the eye of selectors at trials held during the summer at Repton School in Derbyshire.
In their curtain raiser, the ISA outfit notched up a 4-1 victory against Milton Keynes Dons school of excellence under-15s, but they were later edged out 2-0 by Watford Academy. Further matches are on the agenda against academy sides from Leicester City and Nottingham Forest.
Lewis, who’s also in his seventh season at the Stoke City Youth Academy, said: “I really enjoyed it, although it was quite difficult at first because I didn’t know any of the boys. As a keeper I had to get to know my defenders pretty quickly. It’s great and I’m looking forward to the matches that are coming up.”
