Pride of place for Jacob’s Manchester United and England shirts

It is a King’s tradition to frame the shirts of our elite pupil athletes when they represent county and country in their sport, hanging them in the Sports Centre to celebrate their sporting achievements and inspire younger pupils. 

Sixth Former Jacob Watson (U6WAL) was proud to be the latest pupil to enjoy this honour and can now see his Manchester United shirt alongside his England shirt on the wall of the Sports Centre. In a first for The King’s School, this is the first time that the school has displayed a Premier League shirt.

Jacob, who has been with Manchester United since pre-academy level, signed his first professional contract with the club in July and now splits his time between Manchester and home whilst continuing his A level studies at King’s Sixth Form. 

Jacob has enjoyed an impressive start to his professional career; despite only turning 17 in May this year, he was selected for the U19 UEFA league squad and made his mark almost immediately when he scored the side’s second goal against Azerbaijan team, Sabah, last month.

His England honours include representing his country at U17 level and we are delighted that he has donated his shirt to the school.

Director of Sport, Richard Lunn, congratulated Jacob on his achievements. 

He said: “Jacob is an exceptional sportsman and we are thrilled that two of his football shirts will hang in the Sports Centre.

“However, Jacob is more than just a brilliant footballer; he has an incredible work ethic that means he gives as much to his studies as he does to his football. He is a fantastic role model to our younger pupils and a great example of what can be achieved with focus, determination and hard work. He is also a thoroughly nice – and incredibly modest – lad and we know that he has a very bright future ahead of him.”

Jacob is pictured here with Director of Football, Andy Davies and First XI coach, Danny Ortiz.