XL@Football academy goalkeeper Lacey Campbell aiming high as she hopes to emulate England's Mary Earps following Lionesses' Euro 2022 win

Talented goalkeeper Lacey Campbell says England Women’s Euro 2022 success has been a huge inspiration.

Campbell, from Snodland, plays for Chatham-based all-female football academy XL@Football and earlier this year attended the England Talent Pathway Camp.

She started at XL in the under-14s, an academy that is supported by Kent Reliance with funding for aspiring players. Campbell, who has ADHD, has a promising career ahead and imagines emulating this summer’s England stars.

The under-18 keeper said: “XL@Football is a really positive and supportive place which feels like a family. XL provided me with real opportunities when others didn’t as I didn’t have any formal qualifications but that’s never been a stumbling block at XL@Football.

“I’m developing my skills on and off the pitch with football college. Watching the Lionesses play and bring home the win has been a huge inspiration.

“Seeing England goalie Mary Earps in action, especially in the final, was incredible and made me think ‘could that be me one day?’.”

Kent Reliance managing director Paul Whitlock says they are delighted to be able to help.

“The club’s passion and desire for women’s football is inspirational,” he said. “Lacey’s story really shows how an academy such as XL@Football provides vital support within our local areas, something that is strongly mirrored in Kent Reliance’s values.”

For more on the academy see xlfootball.co.uk