James Norwood: Professional footballer

St Bede’s James Norwood lived out every schoolboy's dream when he scored for England at Wembley Stadium on 13th June 2009. James came on as a half-time substitute for the England Schoolboys’ team against a very strong French team, in a match shown live on Setanta TV. The score was at 1-1 following an own goal from the French when James went on to the pitch and almost immediately scored to give England the lead. France came back to win the match 4-2 but James enjoyed the thrill of going up the steps to the Royal Box and giving the traditional goal scorer's live post-match television interview. Dreams do sometimes come true!

A group of James’ friends and team mates from St Bede’s 1st XI were at Wembley to watch James and the St Bede’s team, who were then the U18 England Schoolboy champions were invited to parade the St Bede’s flag around the pitch before the match.

Player interview: James Norwood

1. How have things been going since you left St Bede’s for Exeter City?

Things have been going very well. I was fortunate to make my debut against Leeds at Elland Road in front of 27,000 people just a month after I left school and was lucky enough to play another three times and travel to Carlisle as an unused substitute. The opportunities and experiences that have come up from moving have been incredible.

2. What are the main differences between professional football and football at St Bede’s

There are many similarities between; for example when you are in the squad you become very tightly bonded as you do at St Bede’s. You learn to work in close proximity with lots of different people and personalities but I think the main difference is professionalism; being a footballer is a 24/7 job, you have to watch what you eat and also what you do as people are always watching you .

3. What are your main memories of your football at St Bede’s

My main memories are mostly of football, friends and teachers. When people say school is the best days of your life you don’t listen because you cant understand what it is like being out working and paying for things. I think I managed to make it the best days through having good friends, some great teachers and I was fortunate to play with the best team in England for my age. Also the headmaster Steve Cole and Dave Leggett in particular were the main reason I was there because they helped me throughout and did everything they could when they saw I had an opportunity.

4. What are your goals in football for the next few years?

My goals are first to establish myself as a main player for Exeter and then in two or three years time to be playing in the championship or premiership scoring goals.

5. What advice would you be able to give to any young footballers at St Bede’s

My advice would be to always maintain a professional attitude as you can, whether it be doing your work or getting to lessons on time, it all stems from this. If other aspects of your life are right things fall into place. You also need dedication; you need to be prepared to give up everything but you also need a back-up plan. I had a university offer if football did not pay off but I had to give up fast food.

6. What is your favourite career goal?

I have a few, but I think the most memorable one would be the goal I scored for England Schoolboys at Wembley stadium against the full French national U18 team. Also my 4th goal in the semi-final of the National cup against Thomas Tallis which put us 6-5 ahead in the game and gave us a great chance - it was a simple finish but it was a battle and that goal gave us some belief so that was one of my favorites. I have some others but they are more skillful than meaningful.

7. Playing professional football, have you had to change your game at all?

I have had to change my game a lot. At St Bede’s you could get away with things that you can't in professional football. You have to keep the ball a lot more, a lot of it is down to movement as well, and you have to pick up on things from experienced players as quick as possible. Also, it may not look it, but players are very strong, so you either have to get to the gym or learn how to use your body. Most of all I think I had to change my movement and decision making.