AN ASPIRING football star from County Durham has been given her big break after being scouted to represent England.

Emily Scarr, of Spennymoor, was chosen to play for the Women’s Under 19 England team for a recent five-day tour of Finland.

The 18-year-old has played left midfield for Middlesbrough Women FC for more than a year.

The tour culminated in a friendly game against Finland at the Eerikkilä Sports Institute, north of Helsinki – which England won three-one.

Emily, who is studying Level 3 Sports Coaching and Development at Middlesbrough College, said: “It was such a great experience to play with the England team – I learned so much about technique.”

Alongside her dream to play professional football, Emily also has ambitions to become a PE teacher.

Recently she won the coveted FA Cup Player of the Round award which is voted for by a panel of women’s football experts.

Her tutor, Francesca Bousfield, said: “Getting the international call-up is a fantastic achievement for Emily who is a talented player and dedicated student.”