A women’s football team from Accrington have been accepted to play in a prestigious tournament in the USA – but need help to get there.
Accrington Stanley Women provides a welcoming environment for more than 200 women and girls to play and train regularly.
They are making waves in their leagues, with one player even receiving an England call-up, and this year the under-18s team has been accepted to play in the Dallas Texans International Girls' Cup.
The Dallas Texans are ranked as one of the top youth football clubs in the States, with 18,000 players and 700 teams.
More than 200 teams from around the world participate in the competition, which takes place over a week-long period in the run-up to Easter in Dallas, Texas.
It is an application-only event with only the best selected from hundreds of applications, and Stanley are one of the teams selected this year.
Sami Smithson, chair of Accrington Stanley Women, said: “Travelling to Dallas for such a prestigious cup is such an amazing opportunity for the team, and all of Accrington Stanley Women.
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“This will motivate us throughout all the age groups and gives us a chance to showcase the incredible talent pipeline we have coming through the ranks.
“It is a real honour to be invited, and we will do everything we can to make Accrington proud.
"Just being there is a massive achievement, and I am so proud of all our age groups who are so talented – and our pathway to the top.
“We believe only one English team has won this tournament in the 15 years it has been running, so we expect the standard to be high.
"The other English team that has been invited to participate is Chelsea – so that gives you an idea of the standard!”
The team are looking to secure donations in order to help make sure all eligible players are able to make the trip and are not excluded due to financing.
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Sami continued: “We would love to be able to raise £5,000 to help offset the cost for the families.
"We have already received sponsorship from Farley’s Solicitors, Macron have kindly sponsored our kit for the tournament, and the girls and families are raising money with raffles and football cards.
"If you are able to help us send the team on their way, please do so.”
Star performers representing the team include Niamh Corrigan, 16, who won player of the match on just her second call-up to the first team.
Lily Metcalf, 16, is another rising star who will represent Stanley on the world stage.
Joining them is the youngest member of the squad, Ocean Flanagan, who received an England call-up last season and went on to be the captain.
If you are able to help the team on their way to the tournament, contact enquiries@aswomen.org, or search for Accrington Stanley Women on JustGiving.
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