Sparsholt Academy manager Neil Benson has hailed the achievements of the Saints Second Chance Programme after two of the projects products were called up to represent England.

Charlie Gunson and Mark Childs will play for the Three Lions’ Under-18 Schoolboys tonight when they face Northern Ireland in the Centenary Shield at Eastleigh’s Silverlake Stadium.

The pair have been coached at the Second Chance Programme based at Sparsholt near Winchester.

It has been a subject of pride for academy head Benson that two of his protégés have done so well.

“For the football academy and Southampton FC Second Chance Programme to have two of our own lads in the squad for this International is a tremendous achievement,” he said.

“Charlie and Mark have both worked extremely hard to gain this chance and I am sure that, given the opportunity of playing, they will do well.

“They are both working hard to develop their all round game with the help of our excellent team of coaches and personal trainers [at Sparsholt].

Benson, who also manages the Andover Town team in the Sydenhams Wessex League, added: “These two youngsters are also excellent role models for our programme off the pitch as well.

“They have maintained excellent attendance and grades within the academic programme which is also paramount to their futures.”

Benson insists that this sends a message that the second chance programme is proving a valuable asset in developing youngsters.

He was also pleased to report the increasing popularity of the Spartsholt Academy, which attracted 100 prospective players from the around the UK and from abroad at a recent trial.

Such was the success of that trial day that another recruitment day takes place on Tuesday March 31.

If anyone is interested, contact Benson on 07860150075 or neil.Benson@sparsholt.ac.uk.