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England’s future footballing fortunes are in safe hands, if a talented brother and sister fulfil their potential.
Not only is the Ware family graced with one outstanding goalkeeper in the form of 14-year-old Mitchell, they have a second sibling who is as solid between the uprights in 11-year-old Grace.
This weekend, Mitchell, who plays for West Ham Under-14s, is off to St George’s Park, near Burton, for an England Under-15s training camp.
The £105 million centre is used as a base for the Three Lions’ seniors, with its main purpose to develop stars of the future.
If Mitchell manages to impress during the three-day camp, he stands a chance of making his international debut at junior level.
The Year 9 Fulston Manor pupil said he was recommended by three scouts to attend the national get-together while playing for his East London-based club. Mitchell, a Man Utd fan who rates their former keepers Peter Schmeichel and Edwin van der Sar as his heroes, said: “I’m really excited, really buzzing.
“It’s a big honour to be going to St George’s and only three goalkeepers from the whole country have been invited to attend.
“Even if I don’t make the England team, which I really hope I do, it will be a good experience for me.
“Not many people can say they’ve been to an England camp, and one day I want to become a senior England player.”
Hot on Mitchell’s heels on the way up the football ladder is sister Grace, who also attends Fulston Manor.
The Year 7 student turns out for Gillingham’s Under-13s girls’ team at its Centre of Excellence.
She’s been playing football since the age of six and, like Mitchell, found her natural home between the posts as a solitary last line of defence.
With the backing of two very proud parents, Lisa and Adrian, Grace said she hopes to follow in her brother’s footsteps and run out with the national squad.
She said: “If I play intensely then hopefully I can get to England level like Mitchell.
“He’s probably better than me because he’s older, but I’m hoping to catch him up in time.”