It’s the first time a player from the Cornwall centre has been chosen to go forward to a national level. Jasmine Matthews, now 16, from Redruth is the budding star.
She has been invited to join the England training camp at Bradfield College, Reading on April 14th and 15th. Jasmine was shocked and happy at the same time when The FA contacted her with the good news. She said, “It’s going to be really something just to be part of the England set-up. I know I’ll pick up new things in those two days.” In fact, Jasmine is the only outfield player from a county centre of excellence to be taking part. She'll be rubbing shoulders with the young players from the big clubs such as Arsenal, Everton and Aston Villa.
Jasmine has been kicking a ball ever since she can remember and joined Goonhavern Girls FC when she was 10. She played for them and Truro City Girls and now plays in the midfield of the U16 squad at the Cornwall Girls Centre of Excellence. “I really want to thank all the coaches who’ve helped me over the years I’ve played football”, she added.
One of those coaches is Centre Director, Tony Roberts. He said, “I took over the Centre at the beginning of the season when it was, quite frankly, in a state of flux. Now with Jasmine’s selection, everyone involved at the centre has cause to celebrate. There’s been a real buzz amongst all the age groups since we heard the news. We even beat our strong local rivals, Plymouth!
“Jasmine shows superb commitment, she is very athletic and a wonderful striker of the ball. She could have the next few years mapped out with a scholarship to Filton Academy in Bristol on offer and she may even make it to the USA – we’ll have to wait and see.”
Geoff Lee, Chairman of Cornwall FA and a member of The FA’s Women’s Committee says, “It’s great that a girl from this part of the country has been noticed when there are so many girls playing in centres of excellence in England. Jasmine has been recognised for her ability and it’s an opportunity to test that ability against players from all over the country. We hope that Jasmine will get called up to the main squad after this training and development camp.
Sue Matthews, Jasmine’s mother, used to be an runner, so the sporting genes are there for Jasmine. Sue said, “It’s great for all the family. Jasmine has worked really, really hard to get here. Her grandfather always told her to keep playing and she would succeed. He was Redruth rugby players in his day, Peter John Bleneg. Jasmine’s brother, Clint, also plays rugby but he’s been an enormous help to her and has practised endlessly with her at home. We all feel she really does deserve this opportunity to get on in her football career.”