Six of United’s U15 team and one of the U17 squad will attend camps at Warwick University, Loughborough University and Bisham Abbey respectively during the latter weeks of October. National Performance and England Training Camps engage the country’s most talented players in a development programme that provides expert support and training for female footballers across the game.

Under 15 winger Francesca, who has taken part in previous camps, spoke about her excitement at returning, “The last camp I went to was hard and it is strict but you learn so much and it’s a really good experience, even just mixing with the girls you learn things. Going to these camps just makes you a better player overall.”

United under 16 goalkeeper, Emily, has spent the last seven years with the Centre of Excellence and described how her time with United has made her more determined to be involved in the England set-up, “There have always been good opportunities here at United, I’ve been on the England path since about under 15 level, and the quality of coaching has definitely improved every year. The Centre have been great in noticing who has the potential and pushing them on for England, and this year a lot of coaches have been dedicated to getting me into that set up. “

She added, “Hopefully I do well and get into the team, it would be great to get an international cap this year.”

Centre of Excellence Manager, Emma Fletcher, who has seen the girls’ development first-hand, spoke of her pride at the call-ups “It’s absolutely fantastic to see a record number of girls’ have been called up for the camps, it is a great reward for their efforts. These kind of call-ups really show the great work that our Centre does, and I’m incredibly proud of all of our players and staff, and hope we continue to give even more girls’ that international opportunity in the future.”