AS the Lionesses prepare for their semi-final showdown against Sweden in Sheffield this evening, a star of the future has been identified closer to home.

Footballer Chelsea Callander, 13, from Whitehaven, has been selected to take part in the 'England Talent Pathway', which could see her representing her country on the women's team in years to come.

She started playing football for Whitehaven AFC a number of years ago and has already progressed to playing for Sunderland Girls' Academy. 

Chelsea and her family are delighted with the news of her being picked for the nationally-recognised training programme, with the young star declaring herself 'really happy'.

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Her dad Stephen Callander, also shared his joy. He said: "She's really chuffed, Chelsea's played for Sunderland RTC for five years, she really enjoys it there and I'd say that there aren't many RTCs that are better.

"If you look at the England Ladies' team most of them have come through the Sunderland Girls Academy. 

"She started playing when she was around eight years old at Whitehaven AFC and was trained by Rob Campbell. 

"Now Chelsea has progressed on she is playing for the under 16s team but she's only 13. 

"The England training scheme set up camps dotted around various areas, in an attempt to pick up potential talent that was being missed. 

"There are girls at the RTCs who are really good players but there are also those on a grassroots level who can play very well. 

"The England scheme set up three v three playing contests across the country and selected the best players from each pocket. With people being chosen from the north west and other regions. 

"They've selected girls aged between twelve and sixteen, they reckon that some of these girls may be good enough to play on a national level."

The training scheme is headed by Jill Scott of the JS8 Academy. 

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Chelsea's dad has said that the family are also looking for a sponsor to help support them taking Chelsea to and from training and matches.