Katie wins tour call-up England calling

TOUR OF DUTY: Katie Zelem is in the England under-15s squad.

TALENTED midfielder Katie Zelem is part of an 18-strong England under-15s squad picked for a tour of Holland.

The Blue Coat pupil and her team-mates fly out to Zwolle, situated north east of Amsterdam, on March 12.

The trip includes two games against the host nation and regular training sessions.

“Katie is naturally delighted,” said dad Alan, who played in goal for Macclesfield in their days as a non-league club.

“It will be her first taste of playing football abroad and I’m sure she will benefit greatly from the experience.”

The 14-year-old played alongside the boys at Failsworth Dynamos in mini-soccer, before joining Manchester United’s centre of excellence at the age of nine.

A mobile and strong performer in the centre of the park, she is now one of the leading lights in the Manchester United Foundation team.

A Reds fan, Katie was first selected for an England under-15s training camp at Lilleshall last October.

She has since been in regular contact with the England coaches, who sent her on an eight-week fitness programme via email which incorporated the Christmas and New Year period.

Alan said: “It was mainly stamina work in the gym — running and on the bike — to keep her ticking over when they knew she wouldn’t be playing.”

Katie is also a gifted athlete and is the reigning Year Nines Oldham Schools Cross-Country champion.

She comes from a family rich in sporting talent as her dad’s twin brother Peter — Katie’s uncle — played professional football for Chester City, Wolves, Preston and Burnley, while cousin Ross plays cricket at junior level for Lancashire and football for Oldham schools.