A YOUNG midfielder will achieve a major goal on Wednesday (May 16) when he plays in the national finals of a prestigious cup.
Northallerton School and Sixth Form College student James Boucher is part of the Hambleton and Richmondshire squad which has successfully fought its way to the culmination of the PlayStation Schools’ Cup.
They will take to the pitch at Stoke City’s stadium for a hotly contested final with Aldershot and Farnborough.
The Year 10 student, of Romanby, has been part of the area squad for the past four years and dreams one day of being a professional footballer.
“I am really excited about playing at Stoke in the final and just hope I play as well as I can,” the 15-year-old said.
“I don’t know too much about the opposition but we presume they must be good to reach the final. We work well as a team as six of us play for Richmond Town FC and have become an effective unit over the years.
“The matches leading to the final were pretty high scoring with one game ending 6-1 to us, though it was close in the semi final which we pinched on penalties.”
James has had trials with Newcastle United Academy and is hoping to be spotted as he strives to make a career of the game.
Also a talented cricketer, he is a member of the North Yorkshire Schools squad, and Northallerton Town Cricket Club, where he keeps wicket and bats in the middle order.
“This time of year is quite challenging as I’m playing both football and cricket at the same time, so I’m out four times a week – but I do enjoy it,” he said.
Principal Keith Prytherch said: “We have some exceptionally talented students here at Northallerton School and Sixth Form College and James is a prime example of the level of commitment they are prepared to show. We wish him and the Hambleton and Richmondshire squad the very best and the whole school will be rooting for them.”