Young Spireite off to Far East with Matlock Town Academy

Teenage goalkeeper Teddy Marris has been given permission by Chesterfield to travel to China in July with the Matlock Town Academy squad.

The 17-year-old has already begun his preparations for the tournament after a season that surpassed his expectations.

Dad Mike said: “Teddy has been invited to play in the China tournament with Matlock and Chesterfield have given him permission to go.

“As Teddy was an Under 17s keeper he thought he wouldn’t play much for Chesterfield last season because the Under 18s keeper always played, so he went on a development loan to Matlock.

“He played a few good games in pre-season for them but when the season started he ended up playing around around a third of the games for Chesterfield and was on the bench for the rest, which was fantastic for him.

“Teddy played a few games for Matlock Reserves, playing against men on Tuesday evenings.

“He did really well so was invited to play for Matlock in the tournament.”

The stopper, who turned 17 earlier this month and counts Spireites legend Tommy Lee among his inspirations, could find himself playing in front of bigger crowds in China than the Chesterfield first team will perform for in the upcoming season.

“Teddy was Tommy Lees boot boy so spoke to him every day and Tommy gave him some great advice,” said Mike.

“He’s already started his pre-season training and is really looking forward to playing in China.

“We have been told most matches are in front of 10,000 fans and double that in the finals.”

The Matlock Town side will travel to China on 6th July, having been selected to represent England in the tournament.

Professional clubs from Mexico, Russia, Belgium, France, Australia, Ivory Coast, Slovakia, Romania, China and America will all be in attendance.