John Howard

Next Step For Stone

CP United coach Michelle Wilcock has praised the attitude of Ethan Stone after the 18-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough year on the international stage.

Kirkby-born Stone was part of the England squad that finished fourth at this year's IFCPF World Cup in Spain and achieved his first ever international caps in the victories over Germany and Japan.

Now once again focusing on domestic footballing matters, the lifelong Evertonian is continuing his development and enjoying his role in the team, as Michelle explains.

"As with any player development it is never just an upward curve it has its ups and downs and that is no different for Ethan," she said. "He is aware of this though and has a great support system in place through the club and his family.

"He's had an exciting 12 months within the England set up and we have to help him to manage all that as it's new and obviously a big challenge for him. He is growing as a player and more importantly as a person and this next couple of seasons are really important for him."

Having coached Ethan for six years, Michelle has watched the former Everton in the Community participant develop and overcome a number of challenges. Given that the set up is a PAN disability environment, which sees cerebral palsy players play against opponents with no physical impairment, the world stage was something Ethan was ready for and something his coach was delighted he was participating in.

"I was made up for him and excited for him too," said Michelle upon hearing the news. "As a coach I was also began thinking ahead on how we can support him off the back of the experience too. I was very proud of the way he handled it all and looking forward to helping him build on it.

"The priority for me and all the other coaches at the club is that he continues to develop as a man and a player and is also happy, healthy and enjoying his football.

"If we get the development right the rest will take care of itself."

But as well as developing him, Michelle is also hoping that the midfielder can impart his knowledge to the younger members of the squad.

"His younger club mates have got lots of questions for him so we are hoping to fit in a session for him to speak with them about his experiences in the next few weeks," she continued. "This will also help him in his own development as a more senior player within our club now.

"Being a role model is a responsibility that comes with being an England player so we will be giving him opportunities within our own club to practice different skills off the pitch, which I'm sure the youngsters will appreciate.