Friday Headlines
the weekly newsletter from EHS
A Rising Football Star: Jemima’s Journey
04 October 2024
After a series of intensive trials and selection days, Jemima, a Year 10 student at EHS, has been selected to represent the U15 Independent Schools national football team (ISFA) - an absolutely incredible achievement and a credit to her hard work this year.
We caught up with Jemima to celebrate her exciting news and to find out more about her footballing journey.
EHS: Tell us about the trial process for ISFA.
Jemima: The trials consisted of 3 rounds, Round 1 was the north/south talent ID trials where we played small sided games and attack vs defence shooting drills. The second round was a camp weekend where we stayed over at Ardingly College for 3 days. On the first day, England coaches came to lead the session and we participated in shooting drills and 3vs3 mini matches. Days two and three were more focused on match play. For the final trial, we were split into 2 teams and played a full, 90 minute match.
EHS: Who are you most looking forward to playing against?
Jemima: I'm really looking forward to playing against the ESFA team (English Schools Football Association) as they have most of my ex-teammates and players I’m familiar with. This will be a friendly but competitive match!
EHS: Can you share your experience of playing football as a young girl?
Jemima: I started playing football when I was 6. I joined a local summer camp every year, loving it and developing my skills and love for the sport. I carried this on for another 4 years, until I found a local team, Bournville FC, aged 10. This is where I loved the coaches, developed confidence and scored lots of goals.
Then, I missed the trials for Birmingham City FC by a week! My mum emailed the Head Coach of the girl’s academy and this allowed me to join their training sessions for a six week trial process. I got the contract and played for BCFC up until the under 14's age group. At the end of the season, there is an appraisal to look back on how the players have performed in matches and training sessions. I was released, meaning I had to find another club.
This knocked all of my confidence, making me believe that my time as a footballer was over and I would never make my dream come true. My mum and I spent hours finding trials for me to attend to have a chance of returning to an academy. The first one was West Bromwich Albion FC, I played my best and to my surprise, the Head Coach called me over at the end and offered me a contract.
Wolverhampton Wanderers FC was next and just like West Bromwich FC, I was offered a contract at my trial. I was delighted and signed it straight away.
My experience as a young girl playing football was sometimes hard, as I would get looks and comments from boys as it's seen as a 'male' sport. This was confidence knocking and frustrating as all I wanted to do was play the sport I loved.
EHS: What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Jemima: My biggest challenge was getting released from Birmingham City FC as it really affected my confidence. It was a step back in my journey of trying to become a professional footballer. It also made me try even harder and work to my maximum effort.
EHS: How many hours do you train per week?
Jemima: I train 6 hours a week. On Tuesdays, we work for 2 hours on the pitch. Thursdays we train 1 hour in the gym, 1 hour of analysis where we go over our game and find ways to improve, and another 2 hours on the pitch.
EHS: What advice would you give to young people interested in football?
Jemima: The advice is: football is a game of mistakes, don't let one mistake ruin your game or career. You can use them to improve and step it up for your next match. When I was younger, I used to focus on what I did wrong, not my goods. This caused my confidence and head to drop. It was not good on my mental health and love for the game. Love what you play, play what you love.
EHS: What are your career aspirations?
Jemima: My career aspiration is to make it to the Wolves first team when I turn 16. The first team manager removed the under 18's and under 21's team as he wanted to give contracts to the best of the best players and make new opportunities for younger girls. As soon as I turn 16, I want to be either on the bench for them, or playing even a few minutes for the first team.
We are so proud of Jemima and can’t wait to follow her progress this year. Watch this space!
A Rising Football Star: Jemima's Journey
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