Sharifa sets sights set on England cap (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Sharifa sets sights set on England cap

PLAYING football for England is the dream of a teenager who has been offered the chance to go to a top sports academy.

Sharifa Whitney-James, 17, is going to the Bristol Academy of Sport and has also been given the chance to train with the Bristol Rovers Ladies.

She said: "I have been playing football since I was nine and my dream is to play for England. I love playing. It is such a thrill to score a goal and I love the team spirit."

Sharifa, who has just completed a first diploma in sport from Wiltshire College, Trowbridge, played for Team Bath last season. She has also played for Trowbridge Town under 14s, Chippenham under 14s, Swindon Ladies, Bradford on Avon Ladies and Keynsham Ladies.

The young striker, of Chantry Gardens, Southwick, is from a family of football fanatics. Mum Rose Young, 42, is a referee in the Wiltshire Ladies Football League and 12-year-old twin brothers Otis and Finnian play for Trowbridge Town under 13s.

The Bristol Academy of Sport offers young sportsmen the chance to continue their education while playing football.

Sharifa is looking for local companies willing to sponsor her.