OA Carlton Youngster Called Up To England Schools Girls Football Team

A talented young footballer in Barnsley is dreaming big after being called up to the English Schools Football Association Under 15 Girls.

Goalkeeper Ashleigh Ridsdel-Harrison, who was named in the squad earlier this year and took part in a get together in February at St George’s Park Training Camp, has just taken part in the Bob Docherty Cup.

The round-robin Cup competition, which took place at Cochrane Park, in Newcastle, saw England, Ireland, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales teams compete.

Ashleigh, who is in Year 10 at Outwood Academy Carlton, starred in two games between the sticks for England, including a 4-0 win against Northern Ireland. 

Speaking after the tournament, Ashleigh said:

“It was a brilliant experience to be involved with and it has just given me the taste for more. Being called up to the squad initially was like a dream, I didn’t believe it at first, but to pull on an England shirt and play games was just out of this world. I’m focussed now on working hard to make sure I get to do it again.”

As part of her call up to the English Schools Football Association Under 15 Girls squad, Ashleigh has become sponsored by Vivify Venues, a company which partners with schools to hire out their facilities and enables communities to get together. 

Russell Teale, CEO at Vivify Venues, said: “We enjoy a great relationship with Outwood and once we heard about Ashleigh’s incredible achievements we wanted to show our support by becoming her Player Sponsor.

“Vivify is committed to investing in grassroots sports, our partner schools, their pupils and the wider community, and we are so excited to be a part of Ashleigh’s journey throughout the rest of the season and beyond.”

Paul Haynes, Principal at Outwood Academy Carlton, said:

"I have been monitoring Ash's progress and getting regular updates from her Mum, for some while now, and it is fantastic that she has been selected to play for England. She had a few injury worries along the way but this is a great achievement and she is a very talented young person.”