Story added: 17th June 2019

England youth and former CSF duo join group for special training session

Two familiar faces paid a visit to a girls’ ADP session at Open Academy, last Thursday evening.

England youth internationals Aimee Palmer and Blue Wilson, who were both part of the Foundation’s girls development programmes from a young age, took time out of their off-season schedule to visit the session.

There, they met the girls, helped coach the session, and took part in a Q&A.

Both Palmer and Wilson have represented the Lionesses at youth level, with Aimee currently playing for Manchester United Ladies in the Women’s Super League (WSL), and Wilson recently signing for Ipswich Town Ladies.

Palmer, a midfielder, joined the newly formed Manchester United Ladies side in July 2018, helping them to secure promotion to the WSL in their debut season. The team are coached by women’s football legend Casey Stoney, and Palmer’s teammates include England World Cup stars Alex Greenwood and Abbie McManus.

Blue Wilson recently made the switch to Ipswich Town U21s, who play in the WSL Academy League.  She has previously captained England at U15 and U17 level, and spent last season with Manchester City U21s. Though she never featured for the Citizens, she trained alongside the likes of Nikita Parris, Jill Scott and Lauren Hemp, herself another CSF graduate.

Megan Todd, Girls’ Football Development Officer at the Foundation, said:

“The girls loved having Aimee and Blue with us for the session. They’re both super role models, and a testament to what can be achieved with hard work.

“They were great with the girls, and you can see they really inspired them. It was great to catch up with them, and we wish them success for the season ahead.”