Double England call-up for students

Featured Image

Eve Blakey (L) and Sharna Wilkinson (R) who have been selected for the England Colleges Squad

Double England call-up for students

Two Gateshead College students are celebrating after being selected to represent their country in the England Colleges squad for the 2019-20 season.

Eve Blakey from Wallsend and Sharna Wilkinson from South Shields are both studying Sport Science at the Academy for Sport. They both play for the Academy’s Women’s Football Team and Eve is also registered for Sunderland AFC Ladies and is currently on loan with South Shields F.C.

The players were selected following a competitive two phase national trials process and will now represent their country in a series of international fixtures. In December, they’ll be attending a training camp at St George’s Park, the home of the English FA’s national football centre.

Sharna has recently made her come back on the pitch after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and is delighted with her call up to the senior squad.

“I’m really overwhelmed to have been selected to play for my country as I was told by a doctor that I should consider another career due to my injury. I wasn’t able to play for nearly 2 years but tried to stay positive and put in the hard work throughout my rehabilitation. It’s certainly paid off and I’ve now got the chance to play for my country which is just amazing.”

Eve is also thrilled to have been selected:

“Being chosen to play at international level means the world to me. Since joining the college, I’ve really developed my game and this gave me lots of confidence in the trials. I’m really grateful to our coach Mel Reay for supporting and believing in me.”

Melanie Reay, Gateshead College’s Women’s Football Academy Coach said: “To have not one but two of our players called up to the England College squad is amazing. Both Eve and Sharna are really talented players and it’s fantastic that all of their hard work and determination has paid off.”

For anyone interested in joining Gateshead College’s Women’s Football Academy, come along to an enrolment event this Monday (25th November) between 4.30pm – 7pm or click here.

Fri Mar 29 2024