MIDDLESBROUGH’S promising footballer Harry Chapman has been back to school to present a special gift to his former teachers.

The young England footballer, who scored a recent winner for Sheffield United where he is on loan, returned to Hartlepool’s Dyke House Sports & Technology College to hand over the very first Three Lions shirt he pulled on.

Chapman, a graduate of Middlesbrough’s reputable academy system, wanted to give his former school the England shirt he wore against Switzerland Under-18s in March, when he helped secure a 1-0 win at St George’s Park.

Harry said: “I wanted to give something back to the school for helping me achieve something in education. They helped me stick in.

“I had a chat with my grandparents (Lynda and Wilf Alderton) and we thought it was a good idea to give it to the school. I really enjoyed my time at Dyke House.

“They put the time and effort in to help me improve academically and I passed all of my GCSEs before I left with the help of the amazing staff.

“Since I left I have played football professionally, which is what I dreamed of, playing football regularly for a living. I just want to keep it going and have a long career in the game.”

Harry – who played for England Under-20s against USA last night and created a memorable goal against Holland last week - was the special guest at the college assembly and students heard how he has been rewarded for his efforts.

Head of college Andrew Murphy said: “We are really proud of Harry. Hopefully he will inspire other students from Dyke House.

“Despite signing a long term contract as a youngster he placed great value on education and worked hard to achieve his GCSE results.”

Vice principal Adam Palmer led the assembly. He said: “Hopefully the students who listened to the story of his rise to become a professional will be inspired to follow their dreams. It’s important they understand that he was once sat where they are now.

“It is a fantastic gesture for Harry to hand over his first England shirt and it will take pride of place inside our College. Hopefully the students who see that England shirt will see anything is possible if you work hard enough.”

Harry has already made a few appearances for Sheffield United in League One and last season he helped Barnsley to Wembley twice in the play-offs and Football League Trophy.

He scored a number of stunning goals during his academy football, including a sensational goal in the UEFA Youth League against Torino for Middlesbrough last season. His latest was the winner for Sheffield United against Bristol Rovers on Tuesday. Harry said: “It’s going well at Sheffield United. I am enjoying the training and playing. I am enjoying being down there and I would love to help them get back to where they belong.

“It was nice to get those memorable goals I scored. To be honest I am now not really bothered about scoring goals, it’s all about the winning mentality now. As long as we win that’s all that matters.”