'Future Lionesses' aim to inspire Devon girls

"Future Lionesses" Kiesha Walker, Issi Hebard and Freya Weeks are hoping their stories will inspire girls from Devon to try football

Three of Devon’s most-talented young footballers are sharing their stories to inspire young girls from across the county to try the sport.

Issi Hebard, Kiesha Walker and Freya Weeks have all been selected for England’s "Future Lionesses" programme, after impressing for Devon FA’s under-16 girls’ team.

Issi and Freya, both 15, have already played for England's youth team, with Kiesha, 14, aiming to join them soon.

And they hope to send a message to other young girls from Devon: "If we can do this, so can you."

'Just get started'

Midfielder Issi said the highlight of her journey so far was her first call up for the England under-16s, for the Young Lionesses’ tour of Sweden.

And her England career got off to a flying start, scoring on her debut against the Faroe Islands and again in the semi-final against Sweden, as well as captaining the side against the Republic of Ireland.

She said: "My message to young girls in Devon who want to play football is to just get started and join your local grassroots team.

"From joining a team, see where it goes, it just happens."

Kiesha, 14, spent a year without a team as her mum did not have a car and could not get to training on public transport

Like the other girls, defender Kiesha was selected for the England Talent Pathway, which helps develop players with strong potential to play for the senior Lionesses, after impressing for Devon FA under-16s.

But her journey there has not been straightforward.

Being from a single parent family without a car meant she spent a year without a team, as she was unable to get to and from training.

Even now, her journey to the Devon FA headquarters in Newton Abbot involves a long journey by bus, train and on foot.

Kiesha’s advice to other girls is to "believe in yourself, be confident, be positive, and get to as much training as you can".

'Inspiring'

Goalkeeper Freya, from Kingsbridge, recently played her first England games, against Wales and Greece, keeping two clean sheets.

She said: "It’s so inspiring, seeing all the little girls playing football now.

"A girl at my sister’s primary school asked me the other day, 'How does it feel to play in an England shirt?'"

Devon FA hopes the girls’ stories will encourage other girls who aren’t aware of the opportunities available.