The Lionesses team are pictured alongside youth female players

Angels Meet Lionesses ahead of Euros

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A team from North Walsham Town were invited to St George's Park to watch the Lionesses train.

Angels Meet Lionesses ahead of Euros

In celebration of England hosting the UEFA Women’s European Championships this year, The FA invited North Walsham Town FC Angels Under 11s to spectate a Lionesses’ training session as they prepare to embark upon their UEFA Euro campaign. The youth squad visited St George’s Park on Tuesday 21 June 2022 along with teams from across the country to celebrate their former players’ journeys to the UEFA Women’s Euro squad.

The Angels were fortunate as their alumni, Lauren Hemp, was selected within the provisional 28-player squad.

Daniel Rebbeck, Grassroots Coach for North Walsham Town FC Angels Under 11s, commented upon the experience:

“What a fantastic and inspiring experience! They say ‘never meet your idols’ but the Lionesses were exceptional with the girls and didn't disappoint the very excited group that made the trip. The girls have come away from St George's Park with memories that will last a lifetime and a belief that they can put on the England shirt and represent their country one day. We are all so excited for the upcoming Euros and to see what this amazing group of players can do, it's coming home!!!”

Lauren Hemp has rightly been described as one of the most exciting young talents in English football. A skilful winger, she dazzles crowds across the country with her quick feet and technical prowess.

Lauren Hemp with a North Walsham Player at St George's Park on Tuesday 21 June 2022.

Hemp’s club career has already been fuelled by success. The Lioness’ first club was Norfolk grassroots club North Walsham Town FC. Following this, she spent time at Norwich City’s Centre of Excellence before returning to her childhood club North Walsham. From here, Hemp moved to Bristol City and then to Arsenal before being signed for Manchester City; recently becoming a City Centurion after making 100 appearances for the club. Her already impressive career has seen her win England’s Young Player of the Year in 2017 and claim the Professional Footballers’ Association’s Women’s Young Player of the Year Award on four separate occasions being the first player to ever do so.

Hemp hopes to enjoy the same success within her national team career. Her appearance at the UEFA Women’s Euro’s this summer will be her first major tournament with England following her first senior cap being secured versus Portugal in October 2019. She will hope to enjoy a similar reception as she did versus Spain during the Arnold Clark Cup when she made her return to Norfolk in the prestigious Lionesses kit.

Lauren Hemp playing against Spain at Carrow Road on Sunday 20 February 2022.

 

Hemp will be an invaluable asset in Sarina Wiegman’s 23-strong squad that was announced recently. On the topic of the squad selection, Wiegman has said:

“I am excited by what is possible for this group. We all know this is a huge opportunity and it is one we have to grab with both hands. The chance to represent the nation on such a big stage on home soil is one to relish. This group so far has proven they are prepared to give it all they have in every training session, in every meeting and in every game.”

The Lionesses will kick of their UEFA Euro campaign against Austria on Wednesday 6 July 2022 at Old Trafford at 8pm. Sitting in Group A, England will also be taking on Norway and Northern Ireland in front of their fans as they hope to progress to the Quarter-Final stage and beyond.

If you are interested in supporting the Lionesses and Norfolk football’s own, Lauren Hemp, purchase tickets now:

PURCHASE TICKETS NOW 

Additionally, if you cannot wait to watch the Lionesses’ in action, make sure you tune in to tonight’s fixture as Wiegman’s squad takes on the Netherlands at Elland Road, Leeds at 8pm.

On behalf of Norfolk FA, we would like to wish Lauren and all the Lionesses good luck ahead of their UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 campaign.