A YOUNG Deeside Ramblers is celebrating after being called up to play for the UK Lions.

Matthew Steventon will go off on tour with the under 13s boys team after catching the eye of selectors while playing for Tensworth Academy – a North West representative team – at a national tournament held over three days in Nottingham.

Matthew was introduced to the sport at the age of nine and his home club’s coaches have worked hard to bring out the best of the Abbey Gate College pupil’s natural talent.

Ramblers president John Heath, whose club produced Great Britain and England goalkeeper James Fair, said: “This is a richly deserved honour for Matthew of whom the club are extremely proud.

“It is a great achievement and sets his foot on the ladder for further international recognition.

“It is also a reflection of the club’s coaching system to produce yet another UK Lion.”

The Tarporley-based Ramblers were well represented at the Nottingham event. Along with Matthew, William Dodd-More and Daniel Whittingham also showed off their skills.

The trio came through three gruelling six-hour trials to gain selection for the 16-man squad from more than 70 players from clubs across the North West.

Tensworth finished fourth overall having narrowly been beaten by the eventual winners, West Panthers, on penalty flicks in the semi-finals.