Standout goalkeeper Ben C represented Manchester City’s Under-12s at the prestigious Premier League Christmas Truce Tournament in Ypres, Belgium.
The Year 7 Bradford Grammar School (BGS) pupil from Bingley joined top teams from across Europe to compete in the historic tournament, which commemorates the Christmas Truce of 1914.
Alongside high-stakes matches, Ben took part in cultural activities, including a wreath-laying ceremony at the Menin Gate and an immersive experience of life in World War I trenches. On the pitch, Manchester City delivered standout performances, defeating Bayer Leverkusen 5-0 and rivals Liverpool 2-0. They also secured a 1-1 draw against Southampton, who narrowly finished above them to win the tournament.
The 12 year old said: “It was amazing to represent City in Belgium, especially being able to lay the wreath on behalf of the club at the Menin Gate ceremony and going to see the history of the war, where my grandad’s uncle was killed.
“The matches were tough, but we were pleased with our performances. It was a great experience, and the cultural side of the tournament made it so special; one I’ll always remember.”
Ben began playing football at just four years old and was scouted by several clubs by the age of six. He joined Manchester City’s young player development programme, where his talent as a goalkeeper caught the eye of Giulio Romano, the club’s Junior Academy goalkeeper coach. Officially signed as a goalkeeper at Under-9 level, Ben now serves as the club’s goalie in the Under-12’s team.
As part of City’s hybrid training programme, Ben trains at the Etihad campus, in Manchester, three times a week and competes in games on Sundays. He balances his football with school life and sport at BGS, playing Under-12s rugby on Saturdays.
His mother, Katie Collinson, said: “We chose BGS because the school understands the pressures of elite sport and provides the perfect balance between academics and athletics.
“He absolutely loves playing rugby for BGS, and his Manchester City coaches really encourage him to have a variety of sports in his life. School rugby has made him a stronger, more confident sportsman, improved his footwork and helped him become an even better team player.”
The Truce Tournament brought together Under-12 academy teams from top clubs across England, including Arsenal, Liverpool, Newcastle United and Southampton, who, like Manchester City, earned their places through qualifying events. Premier League clubs also participated in the educational ‘Power in Pals – The Football Battalion’ project, completing missions to promote community unity. As a result, Brentford, Brighton & Hove Albion and Middlesbrough earned additional spots in the tournament.
They were joined by leading European teams Anderlecht, Genk, Bayer Leverkusen and Toulouse, representing nations historically linked to the Ypres region during the First World War.
BGS Headmaster, Dr Simon Hinchliffe, said: “Ben’s participation in the Truce Tournament is a fantastic achievement, not just for the high level of competition but also for the invaluable educational experiences it offered. It’s inspiring to see how sport can teach young people important lessons about history, teamwork and respect, and we’re incredibly proud of how Ben has embraced both aspects of this opportunity.”
“It was a great experience, and the cultural side of the tournament made it so special”
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