Meet 13-year-old from Bishop Auckland with over 240 goals eyeing up Lionesses call-up

A County Durham teenager has been identified as a potential Lioness after scoring more than 240 goals since 2018, bagging herself a spot at two 'invite only' England camps.

A student at King James I Academy, in Bishop Auckland, Layla Vickers, 13, plays for Sunderland Women U14s and has ambitions to earn an England U15s call up next season.

Layla has attended England Talent Camps since mid-2023 at events aiming to scout future Lionesses.

She has been a record-breaker since the age of eight when she began bagging goals proficiently in the Russell Foster leagues.

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Her record includes 94 goals at U9 level, 51 at U10s, 56 at U11s and 42 at U12s.

Following this, Layla was signed for Sunderland Womens Academy U14s team, which saw her travel across the country for matches.

The team clinched the Junior Premier League Northern Section, finishing runner-ups nationwide only behind West Ham United.

Layla will move up to the U16 team for her third season at Sunderland.

David Longstaff, deputy headteacher at King James, said: "Layla has done exceptionally well as a student with us.

"As well as being a talented young footballer, Layla is also a respectful and positive student in school, and has shown resilience and determination - characteristics we value highly.

"We are looking forward to seeing her achieve her dream of playing professionally."