Joe Henman will step onto the international stage tomorrow after completing a remarkable rise from Norfolk grassroots football to the England Schoolboys set-up.
The Fakenham youngster, 17, has been selected in the final 16-man Under-18 squad for the fixture against Wales at Cirencester – and is the only player from Norfolk to earn a place in the national side.
It marks another milestone in a season that has seen the talented teenager play senior football for both Fakenham Town and Wroxham, while continuing to build a reputation as one of the county’s brightest young prospects.
Jon Henman in action for Fakenham Town. Picture: Ronnie Heyhoe
Henman’s call-up follows an exhaustive selection process which began with regional trials in London, where he earned a place in the South and East England squad before progressing to a three-day national camp in Telford.
“When I reached the final squad, I felt both relieved and proud,” said Henman.
“I felt a sense of relief because I was no longer nervous or stressed about failing to get in. As well as this, seeing all my hard work start to pay off made me feel proud.”
The former Alderman Peel pupil has represented Norfolk since the age of 13 and has steadily climbed through the ranks while balancing youth football with the demands of the senior game.
He first caught wider attention while playing for Sheringham Under-18s, helping The Shannocks lift the Thurlow Nunn Youth League title.
Just a week after turning 16, he announced himself further by scoring in an FA Cup tie for Sheringham’s first team.
This season has accelerated his development even further.
Henman featured for Fakenham in their recent promotion-clinching play-off final against Soham Town Rangers while also gaining valuable experience with Wroxham at Step 4.
“Playing with both Fakenham Town FC and Wroxham FC this season has been a very enjoyable experience,” he said.
“Both clubs have a great group of players and management staff that have all individually helped me develop.
“Playing men’s football at the physical levels of Step 5 and Step 4 has taught me a lot and I am looking forward to keeping learning, developing and hopefully pushing to higher levels.”
Despite the achievement of becoming Norfolk’s sole representative in the England squad, Henman remains grounded.
“Making the final squad was already a huge honour, but yes, being the only player from Norfolk does make it especially meaningful,” he said.
“I am glad that I can represent where I come from and hopefully show that I can compete at this level.
“I hope it can inspire young footballers from the county.”
The youngster is also part of the Norwich City Community Sports Foundation programme, where he works under the guidance of former King’s Lynn Town players Ryan Jarvis and Kyle Callan-McFadden.
Callan-McFadden believes the teenager has all the attributes needed to progress further in the game.
“I’ve only worked with Joe this season but he’s a great lad, very coachable and brilliant to work with,” he said.
“His attitude and dedication towards football at 17 years old is one of the best I’ve seen for a long time.
“He’s one of those players who’s always looking to improve his game, whether it’s shooting, passing, crossing etc.
“He’s got bags of potential. At 17, he’s got plenty of senior football under his belt, which I think is really important for younger players to progress.”
Now Henman’s focus turns to pulling on an England shirt against Wales.
“The one thing I am most looking forward to is testing myself at this level and hopefully showing my ability,” he said.
“I am also looking forward to getting to know my team and spending time with a good group of footballers.”
The youngster also paid tribute to his family, saying: “My mum and dad have had the biggest influence on my football career. I know that without them, I would be nowhere near where I am today.
“All of the games and training sessions they have taken me, along with my older brother and younger sister, too, travelling hundreds of miles each week, have helped me develop and reach the point I’m at now.”
Jon Henman in action for Fakenham Town. Picture: Ronnie Heyhoe
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