National honour for college football star

A talented teenage football star from The Manchester College has been selected to play for England in the British College's women's team this year.

Chaneece Reeves, 18, of West Didsbury, competed in regional trials at the training camp in Telford last year. Showing immense talent and strength in her technique, she was put through to the national trials where she made it to the final squad of 22 players.

British College's women's team is part of British Colleges Sports, a membership organisation representing the sporting interests of students and further education colleges across the whole of the UK. Every year players from colleges all over the country are selected to first represent their region and if successful are selected to play for their country.

After making her first appearance for England against Australia as a mid fielder last week, Chaneece, who is currently in her second year studying a BTEC National Certificate in Sports, said she was grateful for the chance to compete in such a huge competition.

She said: 'I was really shocked when they told me I'd made the final team. My parents have been really supportive and it has been such an amazing experience so far. I was really proud of myself and the team when we won 5-0 in our first match – I can't wait for the next game.'

The Manchester College has a successful sports academy which gives talented footballers an opportunity to play in a professional environment. The college's women's football team is currently coached by Lynda Shepherd who currently plays professionally for Blackburn Rovers women's team.

Lynda added: 'I am extremely pleased with Chaneece's progress. She is a fantastic player who always pushes herself to be better. She has done really well and we are all very proud of her. At the college we like to give students a chance to take part in national competitions such as this one so they can build up their confidence and achieve something really impressive.'

Chaneece, who is a striker and currently captain of The Manchester College's women's football team, is hoping to develop the coaching skills that are vital for her course by learning and taking ideas form her coaches at British Colleges Football.

She will be making her next appearance for England against Northern Ireland in April.