Adam Brett is hoping to score top marks with Cymru at the UEFA Under-17 European Championships and in his GCSEs.
The Brighton & Hove Albion forward is combing preparation for group stage matches against Denmark, Austria and Croatia by sitting his GCSE exams while in Cyprus.
Brett and eight of his Cymru team-mates have been sitting exams in English, Maths, History, Psychology, Physics and French.
The players have had to spend time away from the rest of the group during revision slots and started their exams on home soil before flying to Larnaca for this year’s tournament.
They will sit exams alongside training and matches, with some scheduled the day before Cymru’s second group-stage fixture against Austria.
“I’ve done about six exams so far since I’ve been here,” said Brett. “I’ve already done Maths, History and English, so I’ve got the hard subjects out of the way basically.
“But Wales have been excellent by supporting me, giving me time to revise and giving me all the right equipment for the tests. I couldn’t ask for anymore really and I’m buzzing for the tournament to get started now.
“It’s been my dream to play at the highest stage and at 17 to play in the Euros is something I’ve dreamed about since I was a kid. We’ve been doing all the preparation and we know how big this tournament is, so we just can’t wait for it to get started.”
Brett is from Brighton but qualifies to represent Cymru through his Cardiff-born grandfather, who will be watching on from the stands when Cymru step out for their second consecutive UEFA U17 EURO finals tournament.
And he says it was a proud moment for his grandfather when he found out he would be representing Cymru at his first major tournament.
“I was thrilled [when I got the call up] and on the phone to my parents and family straight away to let them all know.
“My teammates were happy for me at Brighton as well, so it was a really enjoyable day. My grandad was buzzing obviously too because he was born in Wales. He’s coming out to Cyprus too so hopefully we can leave him with a little gift to make him happy.”
Earlier in the week, the squad were treated to a Q&A session with former Cymru international Neil Taylor.
The defender, who helped guide Cymru to the semi-finals of Euro 2016, provided the squad with an insight into playing at a major tournament
“What a player and he’s just a great role model for us,” added Brett.
“Obviously he was at the very successful Euros in 2016 and he was telling us it’s going to be hard with a lot of media and people asking you questions.
“But most importantly he just said to to enjoy it because not every kid or adult gets to play in the Euros in their lifetime, so that’s what I took from the session.”
Cymru kick off their tournament against Denmark on Monday 20 May, before facing Austria on Thursday 23 May. They conclude the group stage against Croatia three days later on Sunday 26 May.
Adam Brett at UEFA U17 EURO
Combining GCSE exams with representing Cymru
