Centre of Excellence Girls set to represent England

FOOTBALL in the Community are pleased to announce that two girls currently involved in the Norwich City Girls Centre of Excellence are set to swap their Norwich colours for the colours of their country.

Lucy Gunton-Jones and Holly Clarke have both been selected for the England U15 squad that is set to play against Wales U15s on Friday, October 19, at Llandarcy FC, Wales, kick-off time 7pm.

Holly, 15 from Norwich attends Hewett High School and has been playing in goal for the Canaries Centre of Excellence since the age of 10, but has played football since the age of five.

Lucy, from Gorleston attends Cliff Park High School and at just 13 years old is the youngest player in the Under 15ss England squad. Lucy has been in the Centre of Excellence for two years after playing for Bohemians and Wymondham Town Girls.

Both girls made a great impression at the England U15 training camp held back in the summer as they were selected from over 30 players for the first U15s match this season.

Holly explains: "I was really pleased to be selected for the training camp where there were many really talented players, but to be actually selected to play for England is something I have always dreamed of."

Lucy is a talented wide midfielder who has also scored a number of goals for Norwich over the past two years in the Centre of Excellence.

Lucy said: "I am so pleased to be playing for England, it's something I have worked very hard to achieve just like the rest of the players in the squad. But I know this is just the start, and if I want to continue to play at this level I will have to work much harder. My coaches at Norwich and my parents have been great supporting me, so I just hope that I play well".

NCFC Girls Centre of Excellence Director Jackie Thornton added: "This is a fantastic opportunity for both the players and we are very proud of their achievement.

"The Centre of Excellence was established nine years ago to develop the most talented players in the area and provide them with the opportunity to progress to the highest level possible, so we are really pleased that Holly and Lucy have gained such recognition."For further information on the NCFC Girls Centre of Excellence please contact Emma Fletcher at the FITC office on 01603 761122.