A modest grant from a council fund to inspire young people may lead to big things for talented footballer Toby Nelson who has received his first full England Cap at under-18 level.
Toby played in all four home internationals against Scotland, Wales, the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland for English School’s Football Association (ESFA). With two wins and two losses, ESFA came second in the England School Boys community shield for under 18’s.
Dartford based Toby returned to the civic centre to acknowledge the Council’s support by presenting one of his framed England shirts to Leader of the Council Jeremy Kite.
Over the years the Council has provided grants to a large number of youth organisations, Scout and Guide groups, junior sports teams and youth clubs but Jeremy Kite said it also had a history of supporting individuals with very particular needs or talents. Sponsoring Toby helped him meet travel and kit costs as he took the opportunity to join the England under-18 squad.
Leader of the Council, Jeremy Kite said “It’s amazing what Toby has managed to accomplish. The majority of our grants go to organisations, groups and clubs who do some amazing work with young people but once in a while we have a chance to help an individual grasp a very special opportunity and their success helps to inspire other young people from the town. The shirt he presented will take its place in the Council Chamber and we all hope his achievement will encourage other young people to get involved in one of the many great sports clubs we have here in Dartford. “