Sam got the call following an England Talent Camp a couple of weeks ago. This is the first time a female player from Cumbria has been involved in the England set up at any age group, and shows that the County has the talent to compete with the rest of the Country.
The Centre of Excellence programme is the pathway for girls to get involved in the England set up, and this is proof that the Cumbria Centre can compete with the more established Centre’s.
Sam will be one of 30 players from across the Country attending the four-day camp that will involve coaches from the England team, as well as medical staff, exercise scientists, and a video analyst to support their development.
Sam originally played for Seaton, and played in successful teams winning the Cumberland FA County Cup before joining the Cumbria Centre of Excellence this season.
The Centre in Cumbria is now in its second year as a full time FA Centre of Excellence and this call up for Sam shows what a boost to girl’s football in the county it has made.
Helen Aitchison, Girls & Women’s Football Development Officer says “The three youth Leagues in Cumbria can take the recognition for the original setting up of the Centre, as well as the progress we are making – without the hard work and dedication of the Clubs over the past few years we would not be giving Cumbrian girls the opportunity to knock on the door of the England set up. We are all very proud of Sam, and wish her the best of luck”.
New Centre Director Nick Rigg said ”Sam’s inclusion in the England Squad is fantastic news and all the players, coaching staff and parents at the Centre wish her well. It has also given the Cumbria Centre of Excellence a lift with all the girls boosted by the call up, it will hopefully provide an achievable goal for all girls in the county. Let’s hope it’s the first of many”.
Cumberland FA and Westmorland FA have supported the Cumbria Girls Centre of Excellence behind the scenes since it was established. All members of the County FA's, and the Centre extend their congratulations to Sam, and wish her luck for next week.
For more information on girls and women’s football, please contact Helen Aitchison on 01900 872310 ext. 21 or e-mail Helen.Aitchison@CumberlandFA.com