Bolton School keeper gets Wales U14s call-up

Oscar Hatton, a Year 9 pupil, in the Boys’ Division of Bolton School has been selected for the Wales Under-14s national side.

Oscar has been playing with the Independent Schools’ FA’s U14s’ team and training with the Welsh Football Association over the course of the last year and has been called up to take part in the Cymru Cup in July.

A delighted Phil Hatton, Oscar’s father, said: “Oscar has shown a great attitude and we could not be prouder of his hard work and dedication.

“It is a phenomenal achievement given the level of football and his late arrival to the Welsh National FA.

‘Earlier this year, Oscar discovered his Welsh heritage through his grandmother. Soon after I informed Bolton Wanderers’ coaches of this, the Welsh Football Association contacted Oscar, inviting him to trial for the national squad.

“He has been training with them ever since, attending a number of two-day football camps in Wrexham. Most recently he was selected to play in a combined team of North and South Wales players where he put in a superb performance - his shot-stopping and distribution being his key strengths.

“Following this performance, he received the exciting news that he had been selected to play in the Cymru Cup.

‘Oscar’s love for football started young, inspired by his older brother Oliver, who loved scoring goals. This meant Oscar often ended up in goal, which made him a fearless shot-stopper.

“But Oscar also enjoyed scoring, so he played in goal on Saturdays and outfield on Sundays, excelling in both positions.”

In 2020, Oscar’s talent caught the eye of Manchester United’s Emerging Talent programme where they played other academy teams. Shortly afterwards, he signed with Bolton Wanderers as a goalkeeper.

While playing for Bolton School, he also represented the Independent Schools Football Association (ISFA) in every match, winning last year’s tournament against Cardiff in the final at Oakham School.

His most recent game was against Welsh schools and he is now looking forward to the upcoming ISFA fixtures in August.