Brighton student selected to play England Colleges football

Ossie O’Neill, 17, from Patcham, Brighton, has been selected for the England Colleges football squad. 

The news was announced ahead of tournaments in February against Italy under 17s and Macedonia under 19s, among other fixtures.

Ossie was presented with the England cap (Image: ECFA)

Ossie's teachers described him as "enthusiastic" as he combines his football training with studying at Bhasvic in Hove for A-levels in physical education, psychology and economics.

Ossie said: “I have been playing football in the back garden with my father since I was a kid.

"During some of my school years I lost a bit of drive for playing. I was involved with academies and then rekindled my love of the game just before starting college.

"The level of coaching at the English Colleges Football Association is a different level, so professional, and the coaches have been brilliant with the squad.

"I feel very much at home.

"At times it can be difficult to balance both football training and college work, but Bhasvic is very supportive of my football training, and there is help for me to catch up with missed lessons.”

Ossie and his brother Sidney (Image: Dan O'Neill)

His father Dan O'Neill said: "We’re all really proud of what he’s achieved.

"It's something he'll look back on in years to come, and show his kids what he's achieved.

"It's such an honour to represent your country"

The teenager was signed, along with his brother Sidney, by Charlton Athletic in 2014 to play for the under-tens team. 

Dan said: "He was chased from quite an early age, probably seven or  eight, by lots of clubs.

"Sid didn't really get on at Charlton and decided he wanted to leave. Ossie, who was then nine, decided he didn't want to stay either.

"Then, for a while, in his teenage years he fell out of love with football.

"He'd had so much commitment. Training, football at the weekends, I think it was quite a lot of football.

"However, he found a love for it again in his later teens.

Ossie joined Bhasvic, and rekindled his love for the sport when "supportive" teachers put him forward for the England College team trials.

Ossie has played football from a young age (Image: BHASVIC)

Dan said: "He was super passionate again about football, and we were so proud when we found out he was selected for the squad.

"He loves his food as well as his football, so the whole family went out for a big Chinese."

Ossie often has to take time out of lessons to train and play football.

His dad said: "Bhasvic have been super supportive in supporting his objectives, targets and goals.

"They give him time and extra support with getting back on track with things he's missed.

"They've helped him find the balance between school and football."

Bhasvic coach Lloyd Hooper said: “Ossie is not only an incredibly talented young player but one of the most dedicated players you will meet.

"His enthusiasm and energy is contagious in the team.

"His performances and success are testament to his outstanding attitude and the way he approaches the sport. He is very humble and grounded in the way he approaches the sport and treats those that he plays football with.

"It is a pleasure to have him involved in college football, and we wish him every success.”