15 talented young College sports stars have been selected to represent England in the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, to be held in the Dominican Republic later this month.
In a remarkable achievement for both Loughborough College and its sporting programme, 15 of the overall squad of 20 players are current students on the Diploma in Sporting Excellence (DiSE) programme.
The tournament, which kicks off in the Dominican Republic on Wednesday 16 October, is a prestigious global stage for young football talent, and former players who have taken to the pitch include current Lionesses Ellie Roebuck, Ella Toone, and Alessia Russo. For the College’s DiSE students, this is an opportunity to showcase their talents on the world stage whilst representing Loughborough College.
Elite Sports Manager at Loughborough College, Cassey Badder, expressed immense pride in the students’ achievement, sharing: “This is a huge moment for our athletes and a testament to the exceptional talent and commitment they’ve shown. With 15 students selected for the U17 World Cup squad, we couldn’t be prouder of our Young Lionesses. While our DiSE programme prepares athletes for the demands of elite-level sport, it’s the hard work, determination, and resilience of these students that has propelled them on to the international stage.”
The DiSE programme at Loughborough College focuses on the dual development of academic and sporting excellence, ensuring that students not only thrive on the field but also have strong foundations for life beyond sport. With England looking to make a significant impact in the U17 Women’s World Cup, the Loughborough College cohort is expected to play a crucial role in the team's pursuit of success.
Students heading to Dominican Republic with the Young Lionesses squad:
Hope McSheffrey (GK)
Rachel Maltby (D)
Vera Jones (MF)
Rebekah Dowsett (GK)
Nelly Las (D)
Emily Cassap (MF)
Eva Spencer (GK)
Simone Sherwood (D)
Issy Fisher (S)
Eva Gray (D)
Zara Shaw (D)
Lola Brown (S)
Niamh Peacock (D)
Laila Harbert (MF)
Denny Draper (S)