A footballing schoolgirl from Chorley is celebrating after earning a place in the Blackburn Centre of Excellence for the second consecutive season.
Fifteen-year-old Hayley Wilkinson has come through four weeks of trials to put her through her paces – including matches against Liverpool and Hull – to earn her place in the 17-strong squad.
The Parklands High School pupil is excited about the opportunity as she strives to pursue her goal of playing ladies football for Blackburn and representing her country.
Her mother Linda Wilkinson said: "We are very proud of Hayley getting a place in the side especially as she has only been playing the sport competitively for three years now.
"The good thing about the centre of excellence is that their coach is also the first team manager so if she can impress she could move into the reserves."
Hayley said: "I am looking forward to this season as the coach is really motivated and you want to do the best for yourself and him.
"It is a great experience to be at Blackburn and the management have helped us settle in and not be nervous about the trials."
Hayley plays other sports such as netball, rounders and athletics but she will have her work cut out this season turning out as a referee in the West Lancashire Women's League.
Her mother Linda said: "She referees women's games as she loves the game so much and was so keen to develop and learn so she took a course 12 months ago."
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