ENGLAND CALL FOR KATIE

Gills youngster Katie Startup has been selected for the England U15s Training Camp this October.

Congratulations to Katie Startup who has been selected for the England U15s Training Camp this October.

Katie, who is our current Goalkeeper for the U-15’s and Player’s Player of the Season, has been called up for the training camp, which is due to take place during this October half-term.

Girls have been selected from the 31 Centres of Excellence nationwide and Katie is one of only 20 girls invited to the training camp being held at St George’s Park. Katie has already attended several Elite Player Centre Camps but the squad has now been narrowed down and we’re delighted that Katie has made the final cut.

Katie is no stranger to the England honours having been selected for the final Squad this time last year, where she took part in friendlies against the Republic of Ireland, whilst on the camp.

This season the two friendlies will be against Wales, with one taking place on Tuesday 29 October and the second on Thursday 31 October.

During her stay at St Georges Park Katie will also take part in training sessions headed up by England Head coach Kay Cossington, her Assistant Emma Jenks and GK Coach Mark Phillips. 

U-15’s Manager Pete Sayer said "A well-deserved reward for all Katie's hard work and top level performances. She has gone from strength to strength during the last year and it's been down to her natural ability and professional attitude. We are all extremely proud of Katie and wish her the best of luck as she represents Gillingham FC on the international stage."

Technical Director Darren Hare added, “It’s a great honour for Gillingham FC and our Girls Centre of Excellence to have Katie involved in the National Squad, there are only two Goalkeeper spots up for grabs, in the squad, and Katie thoroughly deserves her place.

“This is my first year with the Centre, and working with Katie, and she is a very talented goalkeeper, a true professional and gives her all in everything she does. We look forward to seeing her continue her development and success with our Centre and for England.”

Everyone at Gillingham FC wishes Katie the very best of luck on the camp and in the forthcoming friendlies and we will let you know how she gets on.