Brighton & Hoave Albion goalkeeper set for England girls' honour

The 13-year-old Manhood Community College pupil will join up with them for a match being hosted by Leicestershire & Rutland FA on February 21 against their Dutch counterparts.

Samain plays in goal for the under-14s at the Brighton & Hove Albion Centre of Excellence and recently attended a number of regional talent camps along with six other girls from the centre and 400 across the country.

The camps look for talented girls who demonstrate outstanding ability to go forward to play for England under-15s. Girls are sent from each of the 50 FA-accredited centres of excellence, so competition is fierce and selection is a lengthy and arduous process.

Samain was delighted to be selected to play for England, saying: “This is a dream come true.”

Brighton boss Gus Poyet, manager for Brighton & Hove Albion, told her to enjoy it when they met at Withdean Stadium on Saturday.

Centre director Michelle Lawrence said: “To make the squad of 18 is a great achievement and fully deserved. Leah has worked really hard to ensure she was ready for the regional talent camps, and we are all really proud of her.”