Promising South Shields Academy ace Mathew Wade reacts to England call-up after bouncing back from injury hell

South Shields Academy prospect Mathew Wade has told of his pride after being selected to play for England Schoolboys.
South Shields Academy prospect Mathew Wade. Picture by 353photography.South Shields Academy prospect Mathew Wade. Picture by 353photography.
South Shields Academy prospect Mathew Wade. Picture by 353photography.

Mathew is the first SSFC Academy player to receive international recognition and will link up with others who have been selected from around the country in January.

The 17-year-old has this season helped the young Mariners reach the third round of the FA Youth Cup and made his first-team debut in the Durham Challenge Cup in October.

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Wade said: "Being called up by England Schoolboys is a great feeling for me and my family.

South Shields Academy prospect Mathew Wade. Picture by 353photography.South Shields Academy prospect Mathew Wade. Picture by 353photography.
South Shields Academy prospect Mathew Wade. Picture by 353photography.

"I've had to work so hard and I'm finally getting some recognition for what I'm doing.

"To represent your country is a massive honour and it's something I'll remember forever."

Mathew successfully made it through three trial rounds to earn selection in the national squad.

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After impressing as one of the north of England's players in the final trial, which was held at Rowley Park, Stafford, his place in the national squad for the 2019-20 campaign was confirmed.

The squad will begin their time with England with friendly fixtures against the RAF on January 12 and Australia Schoolboys on January 25, with two more friendly matches to be played.

The players will then head away on preparatory training before their competitive games in the Centenary Shield against Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland in April 2020.

Wade has come a long way in a short space of time following his injury frustration in 2018-19.

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He added: "Last season I fractured my tibia, dislocated my kneecap and tore my medial ligament twice.

"It was a tough season and I only played twice, but I put the work in behind the scenes and in the gym to come back strongly this season.

"You've just got to focus and get your head around it.”

South Shields Academy and recruitment manager Wess Brown said: “He has had his setbacks through injury and it shows what can happen if you bounce back and show a bit of resilience and a willingness to work hard.

"He has worked fantastically hard to get to where he is and everyone at the club is really pleased for him.”

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