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Arsenal link for young footballer who wants to Move It Like Messi

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SHE wants to move it like Messi and bend it like Beckham.

Now, Evie Hepworth has been given the chance to fulfil her footballing dream after she was invited to spend a day with Arsenal Ladies football team.

Evie, 14, trained with the squad, listened to their pep talk and watched them beat Birmingham City 2-1.

She also got the chance to meet and shadow her idol, England footballer Kelly Smith.

Evie, of Cottingham, said: "It was an absolutely amazing day.

"The match was incredible and I loved listening to manager's pre-match and half-time talks.

"Kelly and the girls were all lovely and gave me some brilliant tips.

"It was a great insight into what being a professional women's footballer is all about."

The day was held at Arsenal Ladies' football ground, Meadow Park, in Borehamwood and was arranged by energy supplier npower's as part of its What's Your Goal? campaign.

The nationwide initiative aims to help young people kick-start their sporting careers by giving them the chance to meet their idol.

Evie, who plays in the left-back position, said she applied for the competition after hearing about it from a friend.

She said: "I sent in an application as I would really love to become a professional footballer.

"I had to do a letter and video explaining why I should get the opportunity to meet Kelly.

"It was easy because I have admired her and her footballing skills for ages.

"It's a bonus that she plays for Arsenal Ladies' football team, which is one of the best in the country."

Evie, a student at St Mary's College, said she was "delighted" when she found out she had been chosen as a winner.

She said: "I couldn't believe it when I was told I was going to meet Kelly and the Arsenal Ladies team.

"It felt like a dream come true.

"I still couldn't believe it when I got to the ground on Saturday, but the girls were all so down-to-earth and asked me loads of questions.

"They made me even more determined to become a professional footballer."

The schoolgirl, who dreams of representing England's women's football team, has been playing the sport since she was six.

She now plays for York City's under-17 team, training twice a week. She said: "I've always loved playing football.

"When I'm on the pitch, I feel really open-minded and exhilarated.

"It's my life at the moment and I can't imagine ever giving it up."

Evie, who attended Hull City's Centre of Excellence, is not just a dab hand on the pitch.

She also teaches youngsters in Hull how to play football.

She said: "I coach Costello's under-7 football team every week.

"I really enjoy teaching the children how to play and watching them progress."

England and Arsenal Ladies footballer Kelly Smith said she was "really impressed" with Evie's footballing skills.

She said: "It was a real pleasure having Evie shadow me for the day.

"I was really impressed with her understanding, passion and enthusiasm for the game.

"She was able to see just what it takes to make it in the Women's Super League.

"I really hope this experience has inspired her to follow her dreams of becoming a professional football player."

But Evie has competition as her brother Nathan, 11, is holding his own on the pitch.

Evie said: "He loves playing football and is really competitive.

"He says he is determined to become a professional footballer before me."

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Arsenal link for young footballer who wants to Move It Like Messi


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