Ripon footballer Lottie Day is continuing to shine on the world stage after representing her country in an international tournament.
The 15-year-old played in all four matches at the Mondial Montaigu eight-team tournament in Nantes, France, in front of more than 3,000 spectators, in addition to 14,500 people live streaming the event.
Her England U16 women’s squad beat Portugal and Sweden 1-0, drew 1-1 with the eventual winners, Japan, and lost to France 3-0.
The Sheffield United academy central midfielder and Ripon Grammar pupil said:
“It was an incredible experience and the honour of representing my country against four different teams was amazing.
“Putting the England shirt on and singing the National Anthem is something I’ll remember forever,” she said.
Her father, Kevin, who was in Nantes along with Lottie’s mum Lucy and brother, Rupert, to watch her play, added:
“It’s by far the biggest crowd she’s played in front of, more than a Women’s Championship side.
“She’s had an amazing ten days in France with the squad.”
Lottie, who lives between Ripon and Thirsk and plays in central midfield for Sheffield United academy, was playing right back for all the games.
Mr Day said:
“She has lots to learn and teammates to learn from.
“She made incredible friends with bonding at team dinners, activities outside football and the daily ice baths to help recovery.
“She learnt a lot about fuelling and nutrition and also had educational sessions focusing on revising for her exams. It was great having two other teammates from Sheffield United on the camp.
“The England coaches were really pleased with the outcome.
“They were a little unlucky with some results, which left them third in the group so they didn’t compete in the final.”
Lottie, who was named player of the match in her England debut against Denmark in February, finished the game against Japan, played the full game against France, came on as a sub against Portugal and played the full match against Sweden.
The teenager, an Arsenal fan, began playing football when she was seven and confesses she is now obsessed with the game.
Her ambition is to be a professional footballer:
“After RGS, I would love to play for a top Women’s Super League team and my dream is to play for Arsenal.”
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