Jessica helps United to title double

Jessica Graham shows off her medal.

MANCHESTER United’s reign as England’s top team extends beyond their success in the Barclays Premier League.

The club’s under-16s girls are not only the champions of England, but also of the United Kingdom.

And a key member of the triumphant team is local girl Jessica Graham, a 15-year-old from Clarksfield.

Jess, who can play either in midfield or as a striker, helped the Reds achieve victories in both the English and United Kingdom finals of the Tesco Cup, an event which attracted 3,700 teams.

The Reds, who are based at The Cliff and play in the Lancashire League, were victors in the northern final of the Tesco Cup at Wythenshawe.

They then overcame southern champions West Ham 2-0 in the semi final and West Brom 2-1 in the final, both those games being played at Leicester City’s Walkers Stadium.

The Reds then represented England in the UK final at Bolton Wanderers’ Reebok Stadium where they defeated Welsh champions Llanidloes 1-0 and reigning UK champions Hibernian in the final, also 1-0.

It was the first time the Reds have lifted the Tesco Cup and a great moment for Jess who is a pupil at Counthill School.

Jess has been on the books of United for five years having been talent spotted while playing for Heyside Angels.

The former Greenacres Primary pupil will step up to play for the under-18s with United recently awarded Academy status for their girls team.

Their good work was recently rewarded when they were invited to the Reds’ Carrington training complex for a training session conducted by senior coaches Rene Meulensteen and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Looking long term, Jess would love to further her footballing career abroad as she is eyeing a sporting scholarship to America as a future goal.