After forming in only 2014, it has taken less than two seasons for The EDSV Academy to boast an England Captain within its ranks.
By Billy Highton
Beth Lumsden, along with Megan Gordon, was selected during a trial process to represent the ECFA England College National side, which culminated in a tour to Portugal.
Lumsden, who joined The EDSV Academy in September, has enjoyed an incredible season to date. As a standout player this season, her goals and vision have helped The EDSV Ladies Academy to a finish as runners-up in only their second ever League campaign.
To further this, her talents have also been identified by the WSL reigning champions Chelsea, where she has spent the back end of this season playing within their Development side and training with the First Team.
During the tour of Portugal, Beth was selected in the National side’s first fixture against European giants, Benfica. During this fixture she made headlines with a “world class” finish, before being rewarded with the armband for the fixture against CAC Potinha, where she scored again from midfield.
Although a lot of success has been achieved, EDSV Ladies Lead Coach, Leigh Nicol isn’t surprised and believes the youngster has a bright future in the women’s game. “Beth has been an absolute pleasure to work with this season, and I’ve watched her go from strength to strength”, stated Nicol.
“Her technical ability is raw and at a level that I’m yet to see better in a 16 year old. To travel to Portugal with any National side and score two goals in two games is definitely a way to get your name out there… especially against a senior side like Benfica.”
With the Ladies season finished now, all eyes turn to next season for Nicol and what the targets will be. “The success we’ve had isn’t unexpected, but has definitely happened sooner than we’d thought”
“When I took this job on, the directive from my bosses was to spend the first three years getting our name out there. If you’d have told me that eighteen months in I’d be say here with a runners-up position, three England internationals and two players signed on with FAWSL clubs, I’d have called you unrealistic; however it is exactly where we are.
“Recruitment for next season is done, our squad is even stronger than it is this year and we are looking at a league title. That is our objective”, Nicol went on to mention.
For those that may be interested in joining The EDSV Ladies Academy, positions are nearly full and those with Centre of Excellence experience will be preferred.
Visit www.edsvacademy.com for more details on how to apply.
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