College footballer selected for England Colleges Football team

The Manchester College is celebrating further sporting success. Women's Football Academy player, Chelsea Flanagan, has recently been selected for the British Colleges Sport (BCS) England Colleges Football Squad.

Chelsea, 16, from Ancoats is studying BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Sport at the college’s Nicholls Campus. She had to qualify through three phases of trials to be selected for the National Colleges Team.

Chelsea's selection for the England Colleges Squad shows the outstanding football talent we have at the college

The BCS Women’s National Team will now host a team training camp at West Bromwich Albion FC on 21st January. Chelsea will get to meet her new teammates and join the squad of 22 players in preparation for upcoming fixtures.

Paul Bright, head of The Manchester College Football Academy said: “Chelsea has worked really hard both on and off the pitch during her time at college and I am delighted she has been selected for the England Colleges Squad. The fact that Chelsea has gained this honour shows the outstanding football talent we have at the college.”

I can't wait to represent my country!

Chelsea said: “I would like to thank the coaches at The Manchester College for their constant support and encouragement. I have learnt a great deal from them and cannot wait to represent my country.”

The Manchester College has an established sports academy programme. It allows students to train in their chosen sport alongside their studies. You can apply for any course if you’re chosen for a sports academy, not just sports courses.

The Academy has established links with FC United of Manchester, Manchester City, The Amaechi Basketball Centre and Mancunians Rugby League Club.

What next? Are you the next sporting star? Find out about the sports academies and courses in sport at The Manchester College. The sports academies are holding open trials in February 2012.