After being informed of their success in reaching Phase Two of the England College’s National Team Trial Process, the wait has been a long one for Sasha Henderson and Mia Preston.
November 12, 2020 was the date the Young City pair learnt of the exciting news, before the National Lockdown forced a lengthy delay. Thankfully, two of Exeter City Women’s brightest talents, will now get their chance this weekend as the trials take place at Loughborough College.
The Phase Two trial will see 50 Female Players train and compete in a bid to make the final squad of 20. The Session will be coached by Keith Boanas, a Women’s FA Cup winner as Manager of Charlton, and will also see Aston Villa defender Natalie Haigh on hand to share her experiences and identify some of the Young talent on show. If successful, Sasha and Mia would be part of an England College’s Squad who will face RAF and Academy teams during the Summer months as part of their further development.
Sasha acknowledges the wait has been difficult, but is ready for the challenge awaiting this weekend. “I am really looking forward to it, I am grateful to have got through to the second trial with Mia. It will be a good experience to play with some great footballers in my age group. I feel physically ready with the fitness work I have been doing at home and with City during the COVID period. It has been a long wait, but I am ready.”
Mia will be looking to put the hard work put in during the Lockdown period to good use when the Trials begin. “I’m looking forward to the opportunity. Sasha and I have worked really hard on our fitness and are just glad that the trials are still on. I’m really excited to show what I’ve learnt on the pitch with Exeter City and hopefully I can impress on Saturday.”
Young player development is a key component of the Women’s set up at Exeter City and our partnership with Exeter College, the Management and playing squad will all be wishing Sasha and Mia the best of luck on Saturday. Hopefully, they can join Georgie Barbour Gresham on the list of Grecians to make the England College’s National Team Squad.