A Market Drayton teenager has made history this week by becoming the town’s first junior golfer ever to be picked to play for England.
Matt Birch, aged 17, achieved the honour after finishing in the top 12 at the All England Schools Under 19 Championships in Middlesex on Monday.
Matt, a member of Market Drayton Golf Club, will now represent England in youth internationals against Scotland and Wales in September and October respectively.
“It’s not an opportunity that many people get to experience and that alone makes me feel quite proud of my accomplishments,” Matt said.
“Mum and dad are over the moon, my nan and grandad have been great support and my brothers and sister are more excited than me.
“It’s not just that I’ve made the team but what it could lead on to and my friends have been tremendous, texting me to say ‘let us know how you’re getting on.’
“The backing has been really positive, especially down the golf club where they can’t do enough to show how much they think of me.”
Matt was first introduced to golf by his father Derek at the age of 9, and last month won the Shropshire and Herefordshire under 18 competition.
He is currently waiting for his A-level results from Market Drayton’s Grove College and hopes to go to university in Sheffield to study sports business management.
“I used to follow my dad around and play golf when I was a bit younger but I’ve played a lot of football as well and it was always football first and golf second,” Matt added.
“But in the last few years, I’ve just wanted to see how far I could get and have the pride of saying I’m a good golfer.
“In a town like Market Drayton, it’s nice that people are interested in success because it’s a reflection on them.”
His dad Derek, who is also Market Drayton Golf Club’s vice captain, said: “I can’t put into words how I feel and it hasn’t sunk in yet with Matt just what an achievement it is.
“He’s always kept his feet on the ground and I think that’ll stand him in good stead, whatever happens.”
By Winston Brown