College star gets England call

An aspiring football star from Spennymoor got her big break recently after she was scouted for the Women’s Under 19 England team.

Emily Scarr, 18, was chosen to play for England on a recent five-day tour of Finland, thanks to her skills.

The Middlesbrough College student, who has played left midfield for Middlesbrough Women FC for the last year and a half, impressed scouts to get the international break.

The tour culminated in a friendly game against Finland at the Eerikkilä Sports Institute, north of Helsinki – which England won three-one.

Emily, who is studying Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development at Middlesbrough College, said: “It was such a great experience to play with the England team – I learned so much about technique.

“The team filmed me during the games so I could see where I’d performed well and what I could improve.

“Head coach Rehanne Skinner gave me feedback as well, which has really helped me.”

The opportunity meant Emily took a week out of college to travel with the team, and caught up on work afterwards.

Alongside her dream to play professional football, Emily also has ambitions to become a PE teacher and the Sports Coaching and Development course is helping her on that path.

Between weekly commitments for Middlesbrough Women FC she learns about nutrition, sports psychology and physical activity.

Recently she won the coveted FA Cup Player of the Round award which is voted for by a panel of women’s football experts.

Her tutor, Francesca Bousfield, said: “Getting the international call-up is a fantastic achievement for Emily who is a talented player and dedicated student.

“This type of experience could be a stepping stone to bigger things in the world of football.

“Emily is also a fantastic representative of Middlesbrough College – and it’s inspiring for other students to see her success at a high level.”