A TEAM of Bridgwater junior footballers were put through their paces when England Colleges’ goalkeeper Charlotte Johnson-Carrington paid them a visit at their training ground this week.

And on the very same evening Victoria Park Rangers under 6s, a mixed boys and girls team, received a £100 cheque from Bridgwater chartered accountants Butterworth Jones & Thomas Westcott.

Charlotte, whose step-father works for the accountancy firm which has close ties to VPR under 6s, decided to pay the youngsters a visit before she flies off to the States to take up a football scholarship at the University of North Alabama.

The Bridgwater College student, who is studying accountancy, archaeology and geology, said: “Football has always been a huge part of my life since I first stepped onto a pitch aged five and, thanks to the excellent training and coaching I received from the amazing volunteer coaches throughout my childhood, I’ve been able to progress and play at higher and higher levels.”

She added: “It was a pleasure visiting Victoria Park Rangers to give them a few tips and, hopefully, inspire them to go on and achieve their own footballing dreams.”

Phil Butterworth, a partner at Butterworth Jones & Thomas Westcott, was also at the training session to present the team with a cheque for £100.

“There is so much in the media about children not doing enough exercise so we were delighted to help out the team and the people running it who do such vital work keeping young people fit and healthy at grassroots level.”

He added: “Charlotte has achieved a huge amount through her football and I’m sure the youngsters at Victoria Park Rangers loved meeting and training with her.”

Victoria Park Rangers Under 6s coach Chris Lovell said: “Meeting Charlotte gave the children the opportunity to see that it’s possible to progress through the ranks and make a career out of football.

“It shows how with hard work, determination and the help of the local colleges it is possible to succeed in the sport just as Charlotte has.”

Mr Lovell added: “Everyone from Victoria Park Rangers Under 6 team would like to thank Butterworth Jones & Thomas Westcott for their kind sponsorship of £100 and arranging this amazing opportunity of meeting Charlotte.

“The children we’re really excited and have learnt some valuable skills. The sponsorship money will help us to buy kit bags, footballs, drinks bottles and other much needed kit.”