Devon Girls living the football dream

Opportunities for girls to live out their football dreams have never been so plentiful and three of Devon’s most promising young footballers are a perfect example to encourage more young girls in the county to get involved in the game.

Issi Hebard, Kiesha Walker, and Freya Weeks currently play in the successful Devon FA Girls’ Under- 16 team and their involvement with Devon has led to them being selected for the England talent pathway.

Their message to other young girls in Devon with dreams of playing football is: “If we can do this, so can you.”

Matt Hodgson, Devon FA Football Development Manager and Devon FA Girls Emerging Talent Centre Manager, said: “We’ve worked really hard in Devon over the past decade, and particularly the last 2-3 years, to grow the provision and opportunity for young female footballers with talent.

“We’ve got a model in the county now where there is better access to the talent pathway no matter where you live, or what your individual circumstances may be. Kiesha, Freya and Issi are three fantastic and inspiring examples for young girls in Devon, but we are so proud to say that there are numerous other players who have progressed through the pathway or are currently on this journey.

“And our Under-14 girls have just made it to the English Schools FA Inter-County Cup National Final, where they face Lancashire on 11 May.

“With the level of talent significantly increasing year on year, we are so excited about the next generation of players coming through over the next 3-5 years.”

For information on The Devon FA Girls Emerging Talent Centre and how you could get involved with upcoming recruitment or trial events, contact matthew.hodgson@devonfa.com or visit www.devonfa.com where you can also read Issi, Kiesha and Freya’s full stories.