Whaplode footballer could win a spot in the England team
A talented young footballer says it’s a dream come true to be in contention for a place in the England girls’ under-15 football team.
Holbeach University Academy student Eloise Crisp, 13, received the news that she could play for the national side after attending England football’s Future Lionesses Talent ID event at Sheffield Hallam University last month.
Eloise, who is captain of the girl’ under-15 team at Moulton Chapel Football Club, also plays for Peterborough Elite Centre, Lincoln ETC and Lincs county, and is now hoping to add a national cap to her sporting CV.
“I was so excited when I heard the news – it’s something I’ve always wanted, but I never expected to get to this stage,” says Eloise, who lives in Whaplode with parents Adrian and Katie and sister Imogen.
“I received two nominations to attend the Talent ID event – I’ve never been to one before, but it was a great day. There were girls from across the region and we started off by doing some passing, before taking part in some 3v3s and 7v7s.
“I was just buzzing when we received an email to say that I could now be selected to play for England under 15s. It’s a dream come true.”
Eloise, a central midfielder, joined the girls’ team at Moulton Chapel when she was nine and now trains and plays football several times a week. Thanks to her outstanding performance at Sheffield, she’s now eligible to take part in national training camps and other Future Lionesses events.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity and I really want to take is as far as I can, I’m so thankful to my coach Luke Salter, who has helped me get to where I am,” added Eloise, whose footballing hero is Declan Rice.
Eloise’s dad Adrian said he was incredibly proud of her achievements. He added: “Eloise works so hard. What people don’t see with her is that even when she’s not playing she’s watching football on TV, we go to games, she watches training videos and then she’s out in the back garden practising until she gets it right. She puts everything into it.
“She has been rejected for things before, but she has a great mentality and is able to pick herself back up in the face of disappointment and go again. We’re so proud of her.”
Luke Salter, Moulton Chapel Football Club chairman and Eloise’s coach, said he was delighted for her, and added: ‘This is what it’s all about, girls playing football and achieving their goals.
“It’s wonderful for a young girl, growing up in a rural village to have this opportunity. I feel incredibly blessed to be part of her journey. Eloise is such a joy to have in the team. I wish her every success for the future.”
* Moulton Chapel U15s Girls is an established side seeking more players to strengthen its squad ahead of next season. The team, which currently plays in the Alan Boswell Group Cambridgeshire U15 B league, is open to players in school years ten and 11 as from September. Training takes place between 7pm and 8.30pm on Thursday at the club’s ground in Cekhira Avenue, Moulton Chapel.
To find out more contact Mick Flitcroft on 07789390154 or email Mickflitcroft@googlemail.com
