Mansfield Town football wonderkid is only in Year 5 but could be a future star
One of Nottinghamshire's rising football stars is certainly one to watch in the future - and his school has also labelled him a "stand-out pupil" off the pitch. Wellow House School, an independent co-educational school for 3 to 16-year-olds in Newark, is celebrating the ongoing success of Harry Oliver, a Year 5 pupil who has not only excelled academically but also secured his place with Mansfield Town FC for a second consecutive year.
Harry has continued to thrive in both his studies and on the football field since joining Wellow House, quickly becoming a valued member of the school community. His parents, Matt and Jen Oliver, drawn by the school’s strong reputation, found Wellow House to be the perfect fit, and Harry hasn’t looked back since.
Matt said: “We chose Wellow School as we had read some amazing reviews and spoken to friends who also had children in the school, and they gave us glowing reviews about how amazing it was.” Harry’s football journey began at the age of three, inspired by his father, a former goalkeeper.
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With Slovenian goalkeeper Jan Oblak as his hero and his coaches, Fahd and Christy, as his guiding forces, Harry’s passion and dedication have driven him to new heights. His hard work paid off last season when he helped Mansfield Town defeat his former academy team, Nottingham Forest, a moment he describes as "amazing".
Balancing his football commitments with school, Harry said: "I love maths as I enjoy being challenged and problem-solving. I obviously love sports and am grateful for the opportunities we get at Wellow.
"It’s important for me to get a good education, even though my dream is to become a professional footballer." Looking ahead, Harry is eager to continue his journey with Mansfield Town U10, taking on exciting challenges against top teams like Manchester United and Leeds United. He’s also looking forward to reuniting with friends at Wellow House and diving into the new school year.
Headteacher Stephen Thompson says: "We are incredibly proud of Harry's achievements, both in the classroom and on the football field. His dedication, passion, and commitment to excellence are truly inspiring. We look forward to seeing Harry continue to grow and achieve great things."
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