Croydon girl “can’t stop smiling” after being invited to train with Chelsea FC Foundation
Year 8 La Retraite student Mia Espinal has been accepted to play for Chelsea FC Foundation after impressing on trial.
Espinal, from Croydon, did not even have to go back for a second week of assessment so that she could be integrated into the west London outfit’s training as soon as possible.
Espinal said: “I’m so happy. I can’t stop smiling. I’m really excited!”
She started playing football at the age of four and has taught herself all of her skills through watching videos on YouTube and copying the tricks and techniques.
Her ambition is to become a professional football player.
Natalie Rumble, PE teacher and coach to Mia and the La Retraite football teams, said: “Mia is a player who can make the ball stick to her feet as she makes her way from one end of the pitch to the other.
“With such talent, I had her play in the Year 8-Year 10 Lambeth School Football Tournament although she was only in year 7 at the time.
“As one of the smallest players on the pitch, she was able to match the opposition’s players based solely on her skill level and playing ability.”
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