Cumbrian teenage footballer signs for Chelsea Women's Academy
Carla Gardiner, 16, was signed for the next two seasons of the Chelsea Women's Academy based in Cobham, Surrey.
Carla, who is originally from Arnside, started playing football for local boys teams including Kendal United and Milnthorpe boys before going on to take part in academies at Blackburn Rovers, Liverpool and Manchester United.
Carla's dad Martin said: 'Towards the end of this season and in the middle of her GCSE exams she received a call from Chelsea Women's Football Club interested to sign her for the Women's Academy U21 and inviting Carla down to Cobham to look around their training facilities which are shared with Chelsea men's team.
'From starting to play at eight years old with her brother George, to now moving down to Surrey to a homestay to start pre-season, Carla is keen to try and become a topflight professional player and hopefully also represent The Lionesses in the coming years.'
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Chelsea FC Women's Academy is one of several programs run by the football club for girls interested in the sport, offering an opportunity to develop their football skills while continuing their education.
Carla and her team are set to go on a preseason tour to Spain, playing matches in the National Academy U21 League and competing in National Open Age Cup competitions.
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