RISING soccer star Aimee Cleaver-Kane is out to hit the heights after being called up by her country.

The talented 14-year-old from Everton Academy, who plays for the Blues' Under 14s girls, has earned herself a place in the England squad.

She is one of 30 youngsters drafted into the U15s party, who will be trained for their entry into competitive football in two years' time.

This will involve the young central midfield player attending training camps at Lilleshall.

Her mum Kerrie Kane said: 'They usually go at half-term -they take them away for three or four days.

'But this last half-term, Aimee was in Holland playing football after going there on a school trip.'

As part of the preparation the girls will undergo is strength training, using weights.

'That is where we are let down in ladies' football,' added Mrs Kane.

'We haven't got the strength like they have abroad.'

One man who is particularly delighted to see Aimee's call-up is the Widnes Mini League's organiser, Wally Smith.

Aimee started as a six-year-old in the league and is its first player to go on to receive national recognition.

'She has always been a good player,' said Wally. 'Aimee is very quick and has good skills.' Aimee accompanied her cousin Kevin Finney, who helped referee the mini league, to the sessions and got hooked on the game.

A pupil at Saints Peter and Paul High School, Aimee went on to star alongside the boys in Halton Junior League side, Aventis, which was run by Wally.

Several players of both sexes who started their careers in the mini league, which is for players aged 4-10, have gone on to join professional clubs.

'Many of the teams now playing in the Halton Junior League started out in the Widnes Mini-League,' added Wally.

'Brian Lee, from the junior league, says we are like a feeder club and keep them going!'