Perthshire footballer Leah Sidey is ready to embrace the opportunities that come her way after being named in the Scotland U17 squad.
The 16-year-old, previously of Jeanfield Swifts, has been called up for a friendly double-header against Wales next month.
The team is building towards the UEFA Women’s Under-17s EURO Round Two campaign in March, which will see the Scots take on hosts Albania, Azerbaijan and North Macedonia.
Reacting to the call-up, Leah, who is from Bridge of Earn, told the PA: “I was ecstatic – and quite surprised, to be honest.
“I’m super happy getting into the squad and the opportunities that will come with it. I’ve been putting in a lot of hard work, travelling three or four times a week for training and spending more time in the gym.
"I’m pushing myself as much as I can and trying to balance football with school because I’ve got my prelims just now.”
Leah’s path to the Scotland set-up has been helped by getting involved with the first team at Scottish Women’s Premier League side Spartans.
“It has helped me improve so much,” said Kilgraston student Leah. “I think the difference is night and day.
“I’m in a professional environment and have been training with girls who have so much experience in the game.
“I’m learning more than I ever thought I would. Things like being organised, preparing and having the right mindset.”
Leah is excited about continuing her footballing journey and is focused on making improvements on a weekly basis.
She explained: “My goal is to make it into the team at Spartans and be starting games.
“In general, I just want to push myself as far as I can get and try to nurture my talent.
“It has all happened in a short period of time – it’s been quite quick, but good.”
