FOOTBALL

in a 4-0 victory over Aston Villa. “But I’ve worked hard,” he added, “I’ve done a lot to be in the position that I am now.”

It seems his efforts are paying off, as King’s quality is being noticed more and more. His season was perhaps best summed up in an article written by Dave Fraser of ‘The Sun’ regarding the England U16 side, describing King as ‘a regular for the Cottager’s [Fulham] U18’s,’ adding that he “has become a key member of Fulham and England’s youth ranks.”

However, this success has brought with it the responsibility of an inextricable commitment to a footballing career. Consequentially, King was compelled to leave Hampton and go forth into the next chapter of his exciting Fulham career, adding, “Hampton is a great place for me to enjoy my football. I really appreciated how the School helped me balance Fulham and England training with schoolwork - all my teachers have always been so understanding, but there comes a time where you just have to move on.”

King’s elite technique and unmatched agility have made him an invaluable player for Hampton sides throughout the years as he led his teams to an U12 County Cup final, U13 ISFA semi-final and U15 ISFA quarter-final, culminating in his most successful season of all: 2022-23. Throughout the season, King excelled, leading a variety of age groups to silverware in multiple competitions. He helped the U16 side lift the County Cup trophy, despite missing the majority of their matches with either England, Fulham, or Hampton First XI duty.

In the final, the U16 manager, Mr Mills, substituted him on late into the game with victory seemingly inevitable, yet King still displayed his brilliance with a dazzling solo goal, rounding the keeper and gently tapping the ball into the back of the net.

Although King contributed to the U16’s success, he played a much more integral role in the First XI’s impressive run to national glory. King’s ability to bring out the best in others, whilst imposing his own talent makes King one of the best in the country. He unfailingly demonstrated this across the ISFA and ESFA competitions, scoring six goals and creating countless opportunities for his teammates. In the opening rounds of the ESFA Cup, he scored in all three games, including a last-minute equaliser against Richard Challoner and an impressive brace against KGS.

His later contributions in these tournaments were particularly pivotal. King played valiantly in a 3-1 loss against Royal Russell in the ISFA semifinal, conceding that they were “a top side and an incredibly tough opposition.” Merely 92 days after the disappointment of that semi-final exit, Stoke City’s Stadium played host to the most highly regarded fixture in English Schools’ Football – the ESFA Cup final.

Ahead of the game, First XI captain Matthew Moffatt had plenty of praise for King; “Josh is honestly the humblest guy. Unlike most kids from academies who play in schools, Josh always puts the team first and fits right in with the group.” Moffatt happened to be the first teammate to hug him in celebration when King doubled Hampton’s lead against Shrewsbury in the final, seconds after coming on. King spoke regarding the game stating, “it was the best possible way to end my career at Hampton - it felt so good lifting that trophy.”

The future of the 16-year-old midfield prodigy looks bright, and the upcoming season could see him break into Fulham’s first team. “I’m hoping for some chances with the Fulham U21s next year and sometimes during preseason you can even get moved up into the first team. It’s all part of the process and I just have to continue making the most of my opportunities.” In a generation burgeoning with talent, cementing his name into a regular role will prove an arduous task. Yet, any Hamptonian will tell you the same - Josh King is special.