New City College sport student Kuba Ollivierre is celebrating after being selected for the England Colleges FA national squad, a major milestone in his rapidly developing football career.
Kuba, 17, studies Sports Coaching and Development at New City College’s Epping Forest Campus in Borders Lane, Loughton, and plays in the college football team. His England call-up will see him represent his country in international fixtures, with his next match taking place against Wales in February, followed by a fixture against Australia and a tournament in Italy later this year.
The talented left winger earned his place in the Association of Colleges national squad after being put forward for regional trials by his college tutors.
Kuba has attended a Welcome Day at St George’s Park, the world-class training base for England’s national men’s and women’s teams. The experience gave him a taste of elite football, with coaching sessions led by England coaches, professional performance analysis, sports psychology workshops, medical insight, team-building activities and a tour of the impressive facilities.
He has already made his debut for the national side in a 3–1 win against the Independent Schools FA, and was presented with his first England Cap.
He said: “I was very happy to get into the England Colleges squad – and quite surprised. There are so many good players from all over the country. It’s exciting and a great experience for me to be part of the team and it will definitely help me to develop my football skills.
“The welcome day and training session at St George’s was amazing and I felt lucky to be a part of it. I’m really looking forward to playing in the next match.”
With ambitions to secure a scholarship or academy place and eventually progress into professional football, Kuba credits his college course with playing a key role in his development.
He said: “Football is really important to me and I’m glad I chose the Sport course at New City College. It’s a great course and it has given me many opportunities.”
Shaun Clifford, New City College Group Curriculum Director for Sport, said: “This is an outstanding achievement for Kuba and we are incredibly proud of him. To be selected for the England Colleges FA squad from such a strong national pool of players shows his talent, dedication and work ethic. Opportunities like this are exactly what the Sport programmes at NCC are designed to support.”