A Borehamwood schoolgirl is one step closer to realising her dream of being a professional footballer after she was chosen to play for her country.

Bethany Lumsden, 14, a pupil at Hertswood Academy in Borehamwood, has been selected for the English Schools' Football Association International Girls Under-15 squad.

She is one of 18 girls from schools across the country to be chosen to represent England’s schools on an international level.

She said: “I am very excited to be selected for the squad. My dream is to become a professional footballer and play for my country and being on the Under-15 squad brings me one step closer to that.

“I’ve always played football and very much enjoy keeping fit. I know girls are reluctant to do it because they think football is for boys, but female footballers are just as good. I would tell them to ignore the doubters and play if that's what they want to do.

“It’s a great way of building confidence and it’s helped a lot with my schoolwork too.” 

The Year 10 pupil will be heading to Barcelona with the squad in less than a fortnight to play against schools in Spain.

She said: "I'm very excited indeed to go to Spain, it will be wonderful meeting players from other countries."

Bethany, who lives in Farriers Way, started playing football with her father and brother aged six, and has since been selected to play for her county and for the Middlesex FA Girls' Centre of Excellence.

She added: “My parents and brother have been very supportive, they’re so proud at what I have achieved.”

PE teacher Alison Read, who has taught Bethany since she started at Hertswood Academy aged 11, said the young midfielder was a “fantastic role model” for younger children.

She added: “Beth is a very talented player and her attitude is spot on, meaning she will go far.

“I want to get her a football scholarship to America or Sweden, and I’m sure she will eventually play professionally.

“She is a credit to the school and the community.”