STOKE CITY Girls Centre of Excellence Under-16 players Olivia Fergusson and Emily Horton have received call-ups to the England Under-15 squad for a training camp.
Striker Fergusson linked up with the England squad on Sunday at their hotel and training base in Reading following her starring role for City's Under-16's against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend in which she scored the winning goal in a 3-2 victory.
Goalkeeper Horton received a late call-up from the Football Association on Monday evening and was able to join up with the other England players the following morning.
Girls and Ladies Centre Director Richard Carter said "This is not only great news for both Olivia and Emily but also for everybody connected with our Girls & Ladies set-up.
"It is a huge boost particularly for the girls, of course, as it is always encouraging to receive recognition of any kind but to be acknowledged by your country as one of the top players in your age group is about as big a confidence boost you ever likely to get.
He added: "Both girls apply themselves very admirably in training and games, but also demonstrate that strong mind-set which is crucial to turn yourself from a decent player into a top player. I'm sure that when both of the girls return to us, they will keep their feet firmly on the ground and look to build on what they have already achieved as this should just be the beginning.
"It's also a well done to all the staff at the Centre, particularly the Under-16 coaching staff, as it shows we are sending our girls in the correct direction, a pointer to other players at the Centre that we can attract the best players and help them to reach for the stars.
"It also sends a positive message to any other female players not connected to our set-up that Stoke City is very much the place to play as we are now starting to show we can mix ourselves with the very best female clubs out there. On top of the Ladies promotion last season and the retention of the Staffordshire Senior Cup again this season, I would say our future in the female game looks very healthy indeed. It's hugely important though that everybody stays hungry and keeps that 'bit-between-their-teeth' for us to progress further!"
Stoke City's female players will be present at the Bolton match on Saturday when they will be presented to the crowd at the Britannia Stadium.
A half-time presentation will also take place to commemorate Fergusson and Horton's achievement of receiving their first England call-ups.
Any female players interested in knowing more about Stoke City's Girls Centre of Excellence or Ladies set-up should contact Richard Carter at richard.carter@stokecityfc.com.
