Oscar Murphy, 14, attended a FA Talent ID Day at St George's Park on Sunday, January 18.
Oscar has been with Carlisle United's academy for nearly three seasons and currently play in the Under-15 age group, however, has also featured for the club at Under-17 level.
The event saw Category Three academies nominate three 2011-born players to train with England coaches, with the young centre back alongside teammates Oliver Grainger and Tyler Cumersky being nominated by the Blues' lead youth development phase coach, Danny Grainger, to attend.
🏴 Oscar Murphy, Oliver Grainger and Tyler Cumersky attended a recent FA Talent ID Event at St George’s Park.
This saw Cat 3 Academies nominate three 2011-born players to train with England coaches.
They were outstanding representatives of the club on and off the pitch. 👏 pic.twitter.com/9MQP24LT1V
— CUFC Academy (@CUFCAcademy) January 24, 2026
On the day, Oscar and his academy teammates were put through their paces in a variety of different drills and activities that culminated in 11v11 matches.
After attending the day, Oscar reflected on the experience and discussed his footballing idols which include Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk and his dad Peter who made over 400 appearance for the Blues
He said: "I loved every bit of the experience, I would go back in a heartbeat, it is a memory I will cherish for a long time, hopefully being able to go back down there again.
"I performed to the best of my abilities showing what I could do to stand out.
"I primarily play centre back but can play anywhere across the back line such as full back.
"There are many players that I idolise, there are two that stand out to me, one being Virgil van Dijk the Liverpool captain.
Oscar's dad Peter Murphy (Image: Stuart Walker)
"But someone I strive to be like and better than is my dad, Peter Murphy who served 12 years captaining at the Blues reminds me everyday what it takes to be a footballer, helping me every step of the way."
After attending the FA Talent ID Day, the young Blue's desire to become a 'great footballer' and follow in his dad's footsteps has only intensified.
In Oscar's own words, there is 'nothing stopping' him from making his dream come true.
Oscar Murphy, number 5, in action (Image: Supplied)
He said: "My dream, I have set in stone is to be a professional footballer at the highest level I can. It is all I have known since I was young.
"There is nothing stopping me from prevailing and I will take any and every opportunity I can to be a footballer, putting in the hours on and off the pitch to be the best version of myself.
"I aspire to be remembered as a great footballer."