When England’s football team were preparing for the World Cup in Qatar late last year, a former Farnworth student was preparing to represent Great Britain in a different kind of football.

Daniel Schofield recently represented Great Britain’s under-17s American football team against Austria’s national team.

The sport is growing in popularity across the country with more teams forming quickly.

The 17-year-old got into the sport at a young age thanks to the influence of his dad and brother and he now plays for the Chorley Buccaneers.

Daniel, who studies sport, biology and psychology at Bury College, said: “It was great getting to represent Great Britain in November.

"I’ve also been part of a national championship-winning team on two occasions.”

The former pupil at Mount St Joseph School in Farnworth was also thankful for the support that the college has given him.

He added: “All of the tutors have allowed me to take days off to travel and have also shown a lot of understanding when I’ve returned.”

Daniel’s sports tutor, Lauren Glossop, said: “Daniel is an exceptional student, he studies A-levels and chose the BTEC Sport National Certificate along with two A-levels here at Bury College.

“Daniel is in his second year at college and competes for GB, I have not had any students that are on an elite pathway for American football – in fact, I didn’t even realise Great Britain had a National American Football team.

“Daniel has unknowingly created awareness and continues to do so for his sport and team.

“I have been lucky enough to watch footage of him training for his sports analysis unit, I have also been able to watch him execute skills in real-time as part of assessment at college.

“Daniel is clearly a natural athlete and very passionate about his sport.”

She added: “Daniel is a great example that a young talented athlete can still prioritise their education but still balance it with their elite pathway commitments.

“Daniel never fails to complete homework, meet deadlines or attend lessons, even with his sports commitment.

“We enjoy having Daniel as one of our sports students and continue to support him in his success, we have no doubt Daniel will have a career in the elite setting of sport with the attributes he has and is demonstrating here.”

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