Ben Collinson has been called up to the England U15s at just 13 years old.
It is a huge achievement for Ben and his family, and a proud moment for everyone at Calculated Performance. Ben's story with us goes back further than most: our founders, Jack and Adam Dunkerley, were his very first football coaches.
From First Kicks to Manchester City
Ben was 4 years old when he came to a First Kicks football session, coached by Jack and Adam. First Kicks, is a fun football coaching programme for players aged 4-7 year old, and was were Jack and Adam's coaching journey began. That first experience of the game started a journey that took Ben through grassroots football and into the Manchester City academy, where he signed at U9 level.
9 years after that first session, he has earned an England call-up.
Alongside his academy football, Ben has trained with us through our Individual Performance Programme. Our role is to support the work his club does. The partnership between player, family, club and coach is what gives young players like Ben the best chance to keep progressing.
In his dad's words
"Adam and Jack were actually Ben's first-ever coaches when he was just 4 years old and attended a First Kicks introduction to football session. From giving him a great first experience of football, they've been a huge part of his footballing journey through grassroots and now into a professional club academy. Along with their team of fantastic coaches, they have been great in supporting Ben's ongoing development with 1:1 sessions through their Individual Performance Programme."
— Ben's dad
Well done, Ben!
Ben's call-up is the result of years of hard work from Ben himself, and the support of his family, his club and his coaches. We are proud to have played a part from his very first session, and we will always be here to support.
Congratulations, Ben.
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