English Schools' Football Association

Miranda Hall & Sarah Steadman

esfa.co.uk caught up with England Under 15 Girls’ Team Manager, Sarah Steadman, shortly after an historic 3-1 win against Scotland, on Saturday 23 April in Glasgow and here is what she had to say:

“I was extremely proud to be the manager of the first England International U15 Schoolgirls' Team and what a way to start this era with a match against Scotland away, our arch footballing rivals.

The girls were very nervous travelling to the game but a good warm up and positive team talk meant the girls only had one thing to worry about - the words to the National Anthem. Each player won their individual battles and played with pride and passion. To concede an equaliser as close to half time as we did is always difficult. We decided to change our tactics for the second half which the girls duly implemented and we were rewarded with two goals, resulting in a well deserved 3-1 win against a well organised Scottish National team

Whilst the whole weekend was completed on such a small budget, the players wanted for nothing as it was exceptionally well organised. Miranda Hall (team coach) and I would just like to thank John Read and the ESFA committee for giving the girls the opportunity to represent their country and provide an experience they'll will never forget.”