Saints are delighted to announce that youngster James Ward-Prowse has received an international call-up to the England Under-17's squad.

The 15 year-old schoolboy has enjoyed a rapid rise in the Academy set up at the Club, having already appeared in a handful of Under-18's fixtures at the sharp end of last season playing in midfield, as Saints' youth side ended the campaign five games unbeaten.

Portsmouth based Ward-Prowse, who joined the set up at Under-9's level, will be involved in the squad which was recently crowned European Champions at their level, making it another feather in the cap for the youngster and for the Saints Academy.

England's Under-17's will be playing in the Nordics tournament held in Latvia during August, with Finland, Denmark and Iceland the Three Lions' opponents.

James' call-up is a significant marker for the Academy, whose policy of producing players to the highest standard continues to show.

Academy Manager Matt Crocker said:

"James has done exceptionally well in his time here, and he is a player who we have earmarked for the future.
We are in a fortunate position where we have been able to fast-track him in terms of his development, which would not have been possible without the support of Nicola Cortese, who maintains progression of the Academy at the forefront of his vision for the Club."

> The Saints Academy is also further encouraged by the news that 17 year-old goalkeeper Jack Dovey, has been invited to take part in an England goalkeeping development programme for two days at the National Sports centre in Lilleshall next month. The training is due to take place before he starts his second year as a scholar in the Under-18's set up.