Hurst called up to the Senior Squad
Local Banbridge girl Alexandra Hurst has been called up to the Northern Ireland squad for tomorrow’s friendly match against Wales in Belfast.
Fifteen year old Alex has been called into the squad following an outstanding performance in a recent Northern Ireland under 18 schoolgirls’ match against Australia where she scored a brace in Northern Ireland’s 5 -2 victory.
Alex currently attends Our Lady’s Grammar School in Newry and plays her club football for Banbridge Ladies. Although Alex plays at full-back she was Banbridge’s leading goal scorer last season with thirteen goals and helped secure promotion to the NIWFA Davison’s Frudles Division 1.
In addition to playing club football Alex is also a member of the Norfolkline IFA County Down Centre of Excellence Programme and was a member of the under 15 Schoolgirls’ squad in 2009.
Commenting on his decision to include Alex in the squad Northern Ireland manager Alfie Wylie said,
“This game will be an opportunity for Alex to get to know the senior players and staff and hopefully and get a taste of what it is like to be part of a senior squad. It is hoped that Alex will get her first taste of playing as a senior international during this game”.
“Wednesday is another big step in Alex’s development as a player and with a number of top games coming up for all the Northern Ireland international squads in what will be a busy year Alex will gain valuable experience”.
And how does Alex feel about the game – “I’m very excited to be called up to the senior squad, though I am a little nervous too. All the pupils and staff at my school Our Lady’s Grammar are also very excited” .
