Former Glossop Juniors player to represent Fiji in World Cup qualifiers

A former Glossop Juniors player is preparing to embark on a trip of a lifetime and represent his family's heritage in the process. 

Oliver McFadyen, 18, has been selected to represent the Fiji Under 19s national football team at the Oceanic World Cup Qualifiers in September. 

The attacking midfielder, who has featured for a number of sides including Rochdale, Fleetwood Town and Stockport County, is eligible to play for Fiji due to his grandfather's nationality.

Oliver, who had a brief spell with Manchester City, took part in a four-day selection process earlier this month, and secured his place after catching the eye with a number of good performances. 

The former Cheadle Grammar student was recently named as Stockport Georgians' Young Player of the Season.

He will be travelling to Tahiti next month to link up with his team mates ahead of the qualifiers in September. Of the 11 teams competing at the event, only two will secure their place at the 2023 World Cup in Indonesia.

Oliver's father, Jay, said he was immensely proud of his achievements and hopes the squad can fly the Fiji flag at the World Cup next year.

Speaking to Chronicle Sport, he said: "My father was Fijian, so that's how Oliver qualifies to represent the country. It was a bit strange really as he came to the attention of someone with connections to Fiji during his time at Stockport County. He played in a couple of FA Youth Cup games and scored a goal which caught the eye.

"We made contact with the Fiji FA and they invited him over as part of the selection process from June 4-20. There were 50 other players from around the world, and Fiji itself, all wanting to be selected. Thankfully, Oliver was successful and he can now look forward to representing the squad in what should be an unforgettable experience, regardless of what happens."

Following a good spell with the Georgians last season, and helping them secure promotion to the North West Counties first division south, Oliver is currently unaffiliated with any side but, according to Jay, has interest from four other clubs. His main focus at the moment, however, is to finish his studies before jetting off to Tahiti in four weeks' time. 

Looking forward to the competition, Jay said it's going to be a proud occasion for all the family and hopes the experience will not just live long in the memory for Oliver, but potentially put him in the shop window for other clubs.

He said: "He’s a talented footballer and works very hard, but like I always say to him, I just want him to enjoy his football and enjoy the ride in the process.

"There’s a lot of lads his age that would love to be in his position at the moment. If anyone is willing to come in and pay him to do something that he loves, then all the best to him and good luck, but the main focus is enjoyment."

Jay said the whole process has been made much easier thanks to the organisation and professionalism of the Fiji Football Association: "Technically he’s got something of a professional contract with Fiji and in that respect they’ve been great with him" said Jay.

"They pay for all his flights and accommodation - basically everything he needs - so the Fiji FA are really, really good. Bearing in mind there are less than a million people who live there, they are going all out and providing quality treatment to the players."