Girls Centre of Excellence goalkeeper enjoys four day England training camp
As you may recall Katie Startup, our U15’s Girls Centre of Excellence Goalkeeper, attended a four day England training camp held at St George’s Park during the Whitsun half-term.This was Katie’s second visit to the venue where the coaching and facilities are some of the best in the country.
The squad stay in the on-site hotel and are able to make use of all the facilities including the immaculate indoor and outdoor pitches, the hydrotherapy suite and the gym.
Medical checks were carried out every morning before the players enjoyed breakfast prior to a two hour morning session. A second one would follow following a lunch break before the players familiarised themselves with ice baths and hydrotherapy methods.
An evening dinner would then follow before finishing up for the day.
A Welfare Officer was on hand at all times and the girls also had access to a sports scientist and a physiotherapist during the camp.
While training with the coaches the girls were also given advice on what to do at home to maintain their levels of fitness, including guidance regarding nutrition, exercise and sleep.
Katie has been given a few specific exercises to do at home on a daily basis to improve her strength and agility.
The highlight of Katie’s stay this time was sharing the facilities with the England Men’s senior squad who were there in preparation for their match against The Republic of Ireland at Wembley.
This meant Katie had the opportunity to meet some of her footballing heroes including Joe Hart and Peter Schmeichel.
After enjoying her time at the camp, Katie commented, “I’m really looking forward to continuing at Gillingham Girls Centre of Excellence this season and I hope I can continue to improve further.
"It’s through the centre that I’ve had this opportunity and I’m grateful to the centre and coaching team for this.”
U15s Manager Pete Sayer added: “Katie is a fantastic prospect and is always pushing herself to improve. She is an absolute pleasure to coach and I look forward to another season overseeing her development.”
Further training sessions will be arranged during the season for the England U15’s squad, and we will have to wait and see if Katie is called up for these too.
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