The Genesis youngster is set to play for his country next month after impressing in the National Futsal Super League this season

Trevor Tamatave was unable to contain his pride when speaking about Liam Hunt’s call-up to the England under-19 squad, following a number of strong displays for the Genesis Futsal team this season.

Tamatave, who has several roles at the University of East London-based club, found out last week that one of his players had been picked for their country.

Hunt, 17, has been included in the England under-19 squad for their first-ever international games due to take place in March.

The teenager has shone in the National Futsal Super League this season, despite Genesis struggling as a team, and will hope to make his international bow next month in the Netherlands.

England’s under-19s will play a double header against the Dutch national team with the games set to take place on March 2 and 3.

“We are so proud of Liam,” said Tamatave. “He has been training with us since the summer of 2016 when he was only 15.

“When he turned 16 he started to play in the National Super League and he’s been progressing and developing ever since.

“He has done really well this season even when we’ve struggled as a team, but it is great to see all of his hard work pay off.”

The Young Lions squad was picked after a number of training camps at St George’s Park and Hunt is one of 12 selected for the inaugural under-19 group.

Genesis coach Tamatave fully expects the teenager to shine for England against the Dutch in 10 days time.

He added: “Liam is very direct, a goalscorer and very intelligent. He has a good futsal brain and for 17 he is a really mature young man.

“He wants to learn and be the best he can be and he is always listening in training. He’s scored around 12 goals this season, so he’s been doing really good.

“But he’s only young and he has just turned 17 in January, so he is still working hard and I have no doubt he will have a long career in futsal.”

Hunt praised Genesis and his coach Tamatave after receiving the call-up, saying: “I want to say a massive thank you to the club for all the support you’ve gave me over the last 18 months, especially Trevor who has had big faith in my throughout the whole journey.”

Before he can focus on England matters, Hunt will firstly travel with Genesis to league rivals Salisbury United on Sunday.