Ellie captains England girls to cup success
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Centre-half Ellie, 13, who lives in Littlehampton, was appointed captain and guided her team to wins over Wales, Republic of Ireland and Scotland in the competition.
The tournament, which took place in Wales, was dominated by England and they cruised to the title without conceding a goal, with Ellie instrumental in those clean sheets kept across all three matches.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdSpeaking on becoming Bob Docherty champions with the England Schools’ side, Ellie said: “It was really nice to skipper the team and win the competition.
“I found out I was going to be captain at a Spanish training camp back in February.
“It was a real honour to captain my country and then to win the tournament was also great.
“We prepared for the competition well and to win without conceding a goal was great for the whole team.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdWith the tournament taking place in Wales, England players and staff stayed in hotels throughout the competition.
Ellie, along with her team-mates, had family members staying with them as well and she believes that was a great help.
She added: “I had some of my family stay with me for the tournament which was nice.
“To win the tournament with family watching me and the team was great.”
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdEllie’s attention will now revert back to her club team, which is Brighton & Hove Albion.
The 13-year-old trains with Albion’s youth girls’ side and wants to one day break into the women’s first-team.
Ellie began her career playing for Rustington Otters’ boys’ youth team before being picked up by Albion.
Now the centre-half wants to keep impressing for her club side.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdShe said: “We are doing quite well in the league and I’m just hoping to keep doing my best for the team.
“The ladies’ team are doing really well this season and that is my aim to make it with them one day.”
Ellie, who is now in her second season with Brighton, trains at the club’s impressive training facility in Lancing.
She feels that gives all of the young girls and first-team players a great chance to further develop.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdEllie added: “It’s a great facility and one we all enjoy training at.
“Ourselves, the men and youth teams all train there and it’s very nice.”
Ellie is hoping good club performances will see her receive yet another international call-up and said: “I made my international debut in the friendly against Ireland in March.
“Now having played in that and then skippering the team in Wales, I’d love to play for them once again.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad“The ultimate aim is to one day represent the ladies’ national team and do well for them. I just need to keep working hard now.”
Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.
Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.
1) Make our website your homepage at www.littlehamptongazette.co.uk/
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide Ad2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/LittlehamptonGazette
3) Follow us on Twitter @LhamptonGazette
4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.
And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!
The Littlehampton Gazette - always the first with your local news.
Be part of it.