Story added: 20th April 2016

Young footballers to represent their Three Lions

Two girls from the Community Sports Foundation’s Girls’ Football Development Programme have been selected to represent England in the Women’s Under-16 team later this month.

Lauren Hemp and Aimee Palmer, both 15, will compete in two international friendlies against Mexico and France at the Tournament Delle Nazioni in Italy.

This will be the duo’s fifth selection this season following recent performances for England, against the likes of Italy, Denmark and the Czech Republic.

Lauren captained the Three Lions to a 4-0 victory over Italy earlier this month, scoring her debut goal in the process.

Lauren and Aimee joined the Girls Centre of Excellence (COE) at the Under-10 age group and currently play for the Boys’ U16 Player Development Centre and Girls’ U16 Norwich City Academy respectively.

The girls will fly out with the England squad on Saturday to prepare for Monday’s friendly against France.

Sian Wager, CSF Football Development Officer (Girls’ and Womens’) said:

“We were thrilled to receive official confirmation that Lauren and Aimee have been selected once again for this incredible opportunity.

“They have worked extremely hard and demonstrate that given the right attitude and training environment, young people from the East can achieve exceptionally high standards.”

Aimee Palmer reflected:

“My hard work and dedication has paid off and I am excited to be flying out to Italy as part of the England U16 squad. It is an honour and a privilege to be selected to represent my country.”

The Girls’ Programme is designed to help young female footballers progress technically and reach their full potential. Lauren and Aimee follow in the footsteps of previous COE player Flo Allen, who has previously represented England and will be joining the Women’s U17 Euro Championship Finals squad in Belarus this May.

To find out more about the Girls’ Programme, contact [email protected].