Burnley College Sixth Form Centre’s reputation for developing outstanding talent in sport is highlighted again with the recent success of 17-year-old Sports Science and Physical Education student Marcus Burgess.

The Burnley College Academy of Sport goalkeeper, who trains with Everton twice a week and plays first-team football for Padiham FC, was recently called up to the England Colleges Men’s Football team, who he represented against U19’s Australian Schools earlier this week.

The talented goalkeeper was also invited to Lilleshall to take part in trials for the England Schoolboys team, where he beat stiff competition to get through to the round of 32 trialists before narrowly missing out on the final selection.

Marcus’s success follows that of former Burnley College Sixth Form Centre student Marko Marosi, who signed a professional contract with Wigan Athletic last year and has progressed to the Slovakia Under 21 set-up. A number of other graduates from the Academy of Sport programme have also earned success with clubs within English football.

Marcus said of his recent experiences with Everton and the England schoolboys camp: “It was a great experience to be around the England set-up and I learned a lot at Lilleshall. My time with the Burnley College Academy of Sport team has helped me to develop as a player and the College have supported me all the way. I’m currently training with Everton twice a week which is an amazing experience and will help me to learn and develop as a player.”

Academy of Sport football coach Gerry Harrison said: “Marcus is a determined young man. He’s put in so much hard work and it’s a case of him being in the right place at the right time for him to achieve his aspirations.

“The College have been fully supportive of him and we hope it shows other young players what can be achieved.”