A SUFFOLK schoolgirl is celebrating an England call-up.

Kaci-Jai, who is a student at St Joseph’s College in Ipswich, has been selected for the English Schools’ FA Under-15 Schoolgirls’ side, after a successful final trial at the weekend.

The 14-year-old becomes the first Suffolk player to be selected for England since Harvey Sayer was called-up for the Under-15 Schoolboys’ squad in 2018.

Kaci-Jai, who plays for Ipswich Valley Rangers and Ipswich Town’s Advanced Coach Centre, took part in the final England U15 Schoolgirls’ Pro-Direct trial at Lilleshall Sports Centre on Sunday.

This was the last stage in a vigorous selection process between October and December.

Suffolk County Schools’ FA Chair Robert Peace said: “This is fantastic news for Kaci-Jai and all involved with Suffolk County Schools' FA are delighted she has been selected for the English Schools' FA England U15 Schoolgirls' team. 

“Kaci-Jai has represented SCSFA over the last few years and it is her hard work that has got her to this stage, and I am sure she will continue to work hard with her bright future ahead of her.”

Darren Scoulding who is the SCSFA U16 Manager and put Kaci through to the trials, said: “We are all so delighted for Kaci-Jai. She is such a bubbly and friendly character who we have seen blossom as she has moved through our age groups.

“I am sure she will do the county proud on a national and international stage.”

After being nominated by Suffolk Kaci-Jai attended regional trials that led to four regional squads being chosen – the North, Midlands, South East and South West.

These squads then went head-to-head in step two of the trials process and formed the North and South squads that travelled to Lilleshall on Sunday for the final stage of the process.

The squad will compete in some friendly matches in the New Year, including a game against the Independent Schools’ FA. They will then be involved in some preparatory training before their competitive fixtures at the end of the season in the Bob Docherty Cup. 

Hugh Cullum, who is with the Needham Market Academy, is due to take part in the England Under-18 Schoolboys’ trial this coming weekend.