Sam joined the Centre of Excellence this season looking for a new challenge, to improve and to test her ability against the best – and she has certainly done this through her call up, the first time any female player from Cumbria has been involved in an England set up.
Previously Sam played for Seaton Juniors, and was a vital member of the successful club team, and she is also the captain of Stainburn School team.
Sam did exceptionally well to be selected for the original training camp in October, and she obviously impressed with another call up today. Sam has gone from playing at a local level to training and playing with the stars of the future in only a few months.
Sam was chosen for the October camp following a North West Talent Camp, set up to bring together the best players from the Centre’s of Excellence in the North West of England, along with girls from the Cumbria squad. Another former Seaton player, Rio Hardy was also picked out on the day and was on standby for the previous camp. Another great achievement for the one of our girls!
Since the previous camp, Sam has been working on a personalised training programme which has been overseen by the England staff. It has not been easy for Sam to fit the programme in, with school work and other commitments including representing Cumbria in both netball and athletics too; but she says “I think it will be worth it in the end, as it will help my fitness levels and make me a better player.”
Sam has now been called up to the England U15 Team for the next training camp and fixtures in March, and will travel to Holland with the squad. Sam will join players from Arsenal, Liverpool, Everton and Manchester United amongst other clubs from across the country.
Cumberland FA wish Sam all the best, and hope that she is the first of many of our talented girls who get the opportunity to play at the highest level.