Two Gillingham FC youngsters have been called up for England talent camps.
Congratulations to Megan Maslak and Katie Startup who have been called up for England Camps this February.Megan, who is a current player for our Under-17s, has been called to attend a Talent ID Camp taking place at St Georges Park on Sunday 16 and Monday 17 February, while Katie has been called up for the Under-15’s training camp.
Megan is one of only 20 players who have been selected for the camp from the 31 Centres nationwide. Earlier in the year all centres were asked to recommended players from their 1st Year Under-17 Squads who haven’t been involved in the England set-up previously.
This is Megan’s first season with the Centre, meaning she wouldn’t have had the opportunity to be selected by England at Under-15 level and highlights the importance of these camps for girls who come to Centres late in their development.
During the two day camp Megan will be put through her paces with the other players whilst being watched by England representatives who will be looking to add to their current Under-17 squad.
Katie, who is our current Goalkeeper for the Under-15s’ and reigning Player’s Player of the Season, has also been called up for the next Under-15’s training camp which takes place during the February half-term. She is one of only 28 girls invited from the country’s 31 centres to the St George’s Park training camp.
The camp will take place over four days starting on Saturday 15 February and will give the selectors the opportunity to watch the girls and select their top 20 for their next camp and games taking place later in the season.
Centre Manager, Henry Willard said “We are extremely proud of both Megan and Katie. This is a fantastic opportunity for Megan to challenge for a place in the England Under-17’s squad and one that she thoroughly deserves, she is a great girl who trains exceptionally hard and always gives her all.
“Katie is obviously no stranger to these camps and will be looking to again cement her place at the next camp and games programme. Katie has gone from strength this season and her work ethic is spot on and she thoroughly deserves the recognition.”
Head of Youth and Technical Director at our Girls Centre of Excellence, Darren Hare added “It’s always fantastic to have youngsters called up for England especially Megan who only joined the Centre this season, we really hope that she grabs the opportunity with both hands and shows just what a talent she is. She was a player who excited us when we saw her at the trials in the summer and we are glad that we’ve been able to continue to add her development and put her forward for this opportunity.”
“As Henry has already said Katie is no stranger to the camps and I can only reinforce what a talented keeper she is. We have a good crop of keepers at the Centre and Katie is a great role model for all young keepers.”
We wish Megan and Katie the very best of luck at their respective camps.