13-year-old Cherry Orchard player called up to train with Ireland's senior women

Among the familiar faces at Colin Bell's home-based Ireland training squad at the FAI National Training Centre Abbottstown this week will be one not-so-familiar.

Cherry Orchard player Jessie Stapleton is just 13 years old, but she's been fast-tracked to mix it with seasoned Women's National League players while on her summer holidays from school.

Already she's appeared for the under-15 national team and she became the first girl to play in the DDSL when she joined moved across to Orchard's age-grade boys team in 2016.

A statement from Cherry Orchard read: “Congratulations and a massive well done to Orchard's Jessie Stapleton who has been called in to train with the senior ladies International squad at FAI head quarters in Abbotstown.

“Jessie plays for our 13 premier team, and has been with Cherry Orchard FC since she was eight years old, and she is already a U15 full Irish International, awarded to Jessie at only 13 years of age.

“A remarkable achievement from a player at such a young age. Jessie has a huge career ahead of her as she has a fantastic attitude and love for the game, and everyone at the Cherry Orchard FC are so proud of her.

“Huge congratulations to Jessie's Orchard coach Brendan Wynne and his coaching team for guiding Jessie to this stage of her career.”