Emily Smith and Kathryn Stanley

THREE budding footballers from The Helena Romanes School have been selected to join Essex County FA squads.

Emily Smith and Kathryn Stanley are in the under-14 girls squad, while Connor Sutton has been selected for the under-15 boys’ squad.

Head of PE Dom Allum said: “Connor played his first game for Essex at the weekend and although he started on the bench he was on the pitch after only five minutes and played really well. This selection has been as a result of his hard work for his school, club and district sides.”

Meanwhile, Emily and Kathryn had their first match on Saturday away against Hertfordshire, which finished 2-2. Kathryn did have the ball in the net but it was disallowed for offside. Their next match is on December 15.

Lorna Booth, head of girls PE, said: “To represent your county is a tremendous achievement and a reflection of the girls’ hard work and dedication to football.

“The PE department is extremely proud of both girls in reaching this level.”