ONE of the biggest names in women’s football visited Ellesmere Port to put a talented group of high school pupils through their paces.
England international Kelly Smith, who is expected to lead the line for Great Britain at the London Olympics, delivered a coaching masterclass at Whitby High last Thursday.
The surprise visit saw Kelly train students who are just one step away from winning the chance to play at Wembley Stadium.
Whitby’s under 13s girls team has reached the northern regional finals of the npower Football League U13 Girls Cup. Next Tuesday, they will travel to Notts County’s Meadow Lane stadium to face rival teams from across the region – with the winner going through to next month’s Wembley final, which will be played before the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final.
Kelly, who plays for American side Boston Breakers, gave out advice on how to succeed in the women’s game and put on a coaching session for 17 pupils from Years 7 and 8.
The 33-year-old striker said: “Women’s football in this country has come on leaps and bounds in recent years and the extremely talented girls at Whitby High are a product of that.
“The Football League Girls Cup really champions the future of women’s football and the opportunity to play in front of a huge crowd at Wembley Stadium is an absolute dream for any footballer.”
Former Arsenal Ladies player Kelly, who was awarded an MBE in 2008, has won 109 England caps, scoring 49 goals.
Whitby’s U13 girls team will be hoping some of her finishing prowess has rubbed off on them when they head to Nottingham next week.
Clare McDougall, head of community and education at npower, said: “Kelly is one of the world’s finest women’s footballers. We believe she can help coach Whitby High School on their road to Wembley.”
The girls won the right to represent Tranmere Rovers in the annual six-a-side competition after beating rival schools in the local club and area finals stage.
Whitby will be one of eight schools in action at next week’s northern area finals. The winner goes through to the Wembley Grand Final – on the same day as the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy final – on Sunday, March 25.
Last season more than 5,000 girls were involved in the competition, with King Ecgbert School, representing Sheffield United, being crowned champions and lifting the cup at Wembley.
