Ex Magpie Pavel to Czech out prospect
A WEAR Valley teenager is packing his boots and gloves for a goalkeeping camp in the Czech Republic organised by ex-Newcastle United number one Pavel Srnicek.Fifteen-year-old James Howarth from Oakenshaw is one of just 12 North East youngsters selected by the former Tyneside shotstopper to spend a week living as a professional player at the Czech Republic’s international team’s training ground in the foothills of Jenserniky. Lesley McWilliam, his mother, said: “I am over the moon for James.
“It has always been his dream to be a professional goalkeeper, and you never see him without a ball in his hands. “This trip will be fantastic for him, and they will give him a real education of life as a professional in another country.
“Training with an international goalkeeper like Pavel will give him more insight into the level of fitness and ability required to fulfil his ambition.” James has been supported by his family, who, although being die-hard Newcastle United fans say they want him to achieve his dream of playing for bitter rivals Sunderland.
Lesley said: “His room is completely full of Sunderland stuff, although we did manage to sneak a Newcastle cap in there. I just want him to be happy, and to succeed at whatever he wants to do.
“He said to me that he isn’t interested in all the money and fame, but just wants to play football for a living he even said that if he had a bad game he would give his wages back.” His grandmother Mary McWilliam said: “I wrote a letter to James, telling him how proud we all are of him.
“He’s a sensitive and nervous lad really, but once he gets on the pitch he changes completely. “We always knew he had that something special, and all he had to do was believe in himself and put in the hard work to be a success.
“Whenever he’s feeling a bit down, he can look at the letter and remember we are all here to support him.” Nick-named Felix, (as he pounces on the ball like a cat on a mouse), the 6ft 3 student at St John’s RCVA in Bishop Auckland will wear the number one jersey for Willington U18s next season, and top clubs including Sunderland and Hartlepool have already expressed an interest in him.
A recurring back problem has limited his appearances for Willington U16s this season, but thanks to work from Willington physiotherapist Gordon Ellis and his mother’s partner and former professional cricketer Neville Connell he is all set for the next challenge. Lesley said: “Gordon has done a fantastic job with James and reckons he will still grow another few inches.
“I have to order his shoes off the internet because of his size 13 feet, and he has shovels for hands. He’s an excellent goal keeper though and we are all so proud of him.” Prior to his trip, James will spend a weekend training with former Hartlepool Jim Provett, and is also on work experience at Newcastle United’s academy. He has previously trained with Srnicek while the Czech international keeper was at Newcastle, and the training camp starts on June 21.
