A young footballer from Burnham-On-Sea has been selected to play the sport for England.
Caitlin Berry, who is a member of Bridgwater College’s Team BC female football squad, has been selected for the England Colleges under 19 Women’s National Squad.
She has honed her skills through the Somerset FA Girls’ Centres of Excellence programme since the age of 12 and, now in the final year of the programme, is combining training and competing in the under 17 Girls’ Centre of Excellence League and the British Colleges South West league whilst studying the Level 3 Sport and Exercise Science Extended Diploma.
Caitlin will follow a structured programme, taking part in a series of training camps and British-based fixtures over the course of the season and building towards peak performance in an end-of-season tournament.
Michelle Yeowell, Head Coach, said: “Caitlin is an extremely gifted player who has excellent control on the ball which she combines extremely well with her speed and knowledge of the game.”
Fixtures are in place against Australia Schools and Canada Schools, as well as the Anglo-Welsh Cup, Bristol Academy and Doncaster Belles Women’s FC, prior to the international camp.
To be selected for the final squad Caitlin had first to attend a regional South West trial, held at Bridgwater College. The players selected for the squad competed as a team in a second phase of trials against other regional squads from the South East, West Midlands, London, and North East.
Despite a knee ligament injury, Caitlin’s determination, focus and hard work saw her recover in time for the final trial in a 90-minute North versus South match, from which the England Colleges staff selected their final 22 player squad. Caitlin’s determination, speed and quality on the ball showed throughout the trials, meaning she was successful at each stage.
Year 11 students at school who wish to play sport at Bridgwater College next year can register their interest or ask for more details by contacting Luke Buckingham on 01278 441322 or by email buckinghaml@bridgwater.ac.uk.
