Oulton family’s national hat trick

Billy Thorley, a 17-year-old Oulton footballer became the third member of his family to turn out for England when he made his debut for the Independent Schools’ FA (ISFA) England under-18 team in their 2-1 victory over Loughborough University. The young Stafford Rangers midfielder earned a call-up to the squad following a series of trials. Thorley will link up with the squad again for a five day trip to Madrid in mid-April, where they will take on young sides from Athletico Madrid, CD Leganes and Real Madrid.

The Stafford Grammar School pupil has mirrored two of his brothers by gaining selection to a national football side. Twenty two year old Tom Thorley, who also plays in midfield, represented the Great Britain Universities’ team which finished runners-up in the 2011 World University Games in China.

Meanwhile central defender Jack, 22, was awarded an international cap when he played for England Under-18 Schoolboys during the 2007/08 season, culminating in a match against Scotland at Wembley in front of a crowd of 20,000 spectators.

“I’m proud of what my brothers achieved and it would be really hard for me to follow in their footsteps. What I’ve achieved can’t quite match up to that. But it’s such a great honour to get the chance to represent your country,” said SGS sixth former Billy.

The brothers all attended Oulton First and Christ Church Middle schools, and are past and present pupils of Stafford Grammar.