SEVEN super-talented female footballers from Haslingden High School have secured places in Lancashire County Girls’ U16s and U14s teams.
In the 23-strong U16s team, five of the players are from Haslingden High School: Darcie Dixon, Ocean Flanagan, Holly Thomas, Dixie Thirde and Isabella Dunn.
Representing Lancashire’s U14’s team are Miriam Aliouane and Ella Collinson.
All but three of the footballers have previously played for Lancashire and last year, in their respective teams, they led the county sides to win two national trophies
They all battled their way through three gruelling trials at Rossall School near Fleetwood and, after securing their places, had two training sessions ahead of their first matches a derby against Merseyside and then Northumberland.
Three of the Haslingden students of the County teams are also on the England Pathway, central defender midfielder Ocean, who is in her second season at Accrington U18s, left wing Ella, in her first season with Manchester City, and goalkeeper Holly, from Haslingden U8s and Burnley Ladies,
Miriam, who is a good all-round player and has been at Bolton for two seasons, said: “There were more than 100 girls at the first trial and by the third there were around 50 with just 24 being picked for the team.
Holly said: “The U14s and U16s team train at the same place at the same time, but in their different teams. We split the U16s into three teams as there are three goalkeepers.”
The teams play home matches at Fleetwood Town’s training ground at Poolfoot Farm, Thornton-Cleveleys.
Isabella, who plays right back for Accrington U18s, said: “It was my first time trialling for the County team and I only went along because Ocean told me to, but I didn’t expect to get picked. The other players skills were very good.”
Dixie is in her eighth season playing left back with Manchester United while Darcie is a right wing with Accrington U16s.
They all train several times each week and also play on the school teams. The said the best bit about playing football was the friends they made and the friendship between team members.