NSCG footballer selected to represent England in the English Colleges Football Association (ECFA) for the second year running

The Level 2/3 Fitness student and Andy Griffin Football Academy (AGFA) player went through two sets of challenging trials against more than 500 girls to be selected to join the 22-strong squad by ECFA head coach Keith Boanas.

Emilia said: “I’m really excited to be selected again, it’s a fantastic opportunity and I’m chuffed to have made it through.

“Keith is a really good coach and I definitely feel challenged so I’m always pushing to do my best to keep getting better. Being a part of the AGFA helps too as we train two times a week and have match days Wednesday where we also do analysis which helps with training.”

Emilia, who plays centre forward, added: “I’m mostly looking forward to getting the chance to go to Italy to play in a tournament in February 2023 as it was cancelled last year due to the pandemic so I’m really excited for that.

“The squad plays really well together too,” said dedicated Emilia, who trains around five times a week, “I helped to assist and set up two goals in our first match against Wales and we drew 2-2 so I think we’ll do well in the tournament.”

Todd Bailey, Curriculum Manager for Sport and Public Services at Newcastle College, said: “This is the second year that Emilia has been selected to represent the ECFA and it’s a credit to her hard work and dedication that the coaches feel she will add value to a strong group of players.

Head coach of our football programme, Andy Griffin, has a high level of expectation with all students who represent the football Academy, and it is this kind of success that justifies such high standards.

“Emilia will no doubt be a credit to the ladies ECFA team and use the experience to learn, develop and perform. We wish her the best of luck and success for the season ahead.”

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