ACADEMY PLAYERS GAIN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

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U14s players represent their countries

2024-06-19T14:00:00.000Z

ACADEMY PLAYERS GAIN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

U14s players represent their countries

2024-06-19T14:00:00.000Z

U14s players represent their countries

Towards the end of the 2023/24 season, two of Burnley’s U14s team were given the honour of playing international football!

Archie Lorimer and Kevin Bilotas were called up by Wales U15s and Lithuania U15s respectively, spending time away from the Club for training camps and matches.

It wasn’t the first time that Archie had represented Wales, with the youngster previously travelling for camps in Poland and the Republic of Ireland.

This time around was a unique experience, though, with the team spending time in Austria, Italy and Norway for a special tournament.

Lorimer, who can play in midfield or as a striker, played the entirety of a draw with Austria before being given an hour against North Macedonia.

Leaving the best until last, the teenager scored his first goal for the Welsh off the bench against Czech Republic.

Though born in England, Lorimer qualifies for Wales through his Grandad.

“I was buzzing when I found out because it was a two-week trip away to three different countries,” said Lorimer.

“The first time I was called up the Welsh side of my family were absolutely buzzing. Even my dad’s side who are Scottish were very happy for me so it was absolutely brilliant.”

Lorimer had another memorable moment before the end of the season, scoring a last minute free-kick to earn Burnley U15s a 3-2 victory over Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park!

ACADEMY PLAYERS GAIN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE - Image 1

Bilotas was born and raised in Burnley but both of his parents are Lithuanian.

He has been with the Clarets since December 2023 and converted to centre-back after joining as a striker.

This was the first time that Bilotas has been called up by Lithuania, spending just short of a week in the Baltic state for a training camp and two friendly matches against Malta.

After being an unused substitute first time around, the teenager came off the bench for the final 20 minutes of a 5-0 win.

“I was at school when I found out with an email from the Lithuanian FA,” he said.

“The first thing I did was tell my friends and they were all jealous, but happy for me! My mum and dad were both buzzing with it too.”

Congratulations to both on their achievements!