Blindkilde Brown inspiring young footballers

Pupils at an England Lioness' former school have spoken of how her career has inspired them to be "on the pitch" and pursue careers in professional football.

Laura Blindkilde Brown attended Tudor Grange Academy, in Worcester, before going on to play for Aston Villa and Manchester City.

The midfielder is on standby to represent her country in the Women's Euro 2025 tournament, which kicks off later this week.

Her former teacher, Beth Merriman, said Blindkilde Brown was "really academic" in school but it was on the football field "where she came alive".

"I started here the year Laura was in Year 7," she said. "So we started here the same time.

"I was her teacher... and taught her all the way through until she left in Year 11. It was a privilege to see her sort of go through our school and develop."

Blindkilde Brown, who started her career playing with Warndon Villages until the age of nine, joined City from Aston Villa in January last year.

Ms Merriman said Blindkilde Brown was "very talented" and she knew early on that football was her passion.

She said she wasn't surprised by her career and "kind of knew that she would always go through and make it".

"She used to play with the boys, so really showed that grit and determination to prove that she deserved her place and she more than did," Ms Merriman added.

"So happy for her, it's obviously a massive reward for all of the effort that she's put in."

Josie, 14, who plays in one of the girls' teams at the school, said she got into football through her family.

"My brother's always played football with me in the garden and my dad's always been a coach, so I've just been inspired by them," she said.

"They're so inspirational," she said of the Lionesses.

"I always go watch the England games whenever they're on and it just inspires me to be on that pitch one day. It just shows anyone can do it from any local county or city."

Twelve-year-old Izzy said football had become a hobby and that Blindkilde Brown was "really inspiring".

"Especially having someone going to your school," she added.

"I'd very much like to become a footballer."

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