AN Okehampton College student has been selected for the National Football Association Camp, giving him the chance of winning a place to represent the England FA in South Africa.

Sixth form student Peter Cooper, who lives in Inwardleigh, was selected in February to attend the Devon FA coaches trials. He was picked to go on to the West of England regional camp in Taunton.

After attending the one-day camp, along with some of the best young coaches in the South West, the talented 17-year-old was selected for the National FA Camp to be held from Saturday, July 11 to Wednesday, July 15 at Warwick University.

Peter, who is currently studying for his A-levels, said he was looking forward to being among some of the UKs top coaches: 'I was fortunate enough to be selected to attend the nationals after showing good leadership skills.

'I'm really looking forward to the camp and especially getting to meet top coaches Sir Trevor Brooking and Stuart Pearce and getting some coaching tips.

'We will cover all aspects of football from disabled football to age-specific coaching.'

After the camp, four youngsters will be selected to represent the England FA in South Africa, where, if picked, Peter holds high hopes for his future career.

He said: 'I would love to be selected to go to South Africa but I know it's going to be very tough because I am now through to the elite in the country.'

Peter, who was selected out of hundreds of young coaches throughout the UK, expressed thanks to everyone who had supported him.

He said: 'I would like to thank Hatherleigh Football Club, who paid for me to do my level one coaching certificate, which really got me into the coaching side.

'I would also like to thank Stuart Lord, OCRA and Okehampton College, who have been very supportive.

'I am looking forward to using the tips and advice I will learn from the camp, back in my area.'