Last updated at 12:38, Friday, 07 September 2012

Young goalkeeper Abbie Frizzle has signed for Blackburn Rovers.

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The Maryport 10-year-old only started playing football four years ago after a chance encounter with a coach in fast food chain McDonald’s.

Celebrating her sixth birthday with family and friends, the group was asked if they wanted to play for a newly-formed team – Maryport Monsters.

Since then, she has gone on to represent her favourite team – Carlisle United – before securing a move to the Championship club after impressing Rovers’ scouts.

Starting off as a striker, Abbie moved between the sticks at Blackburn, and has shone in her new position.

Last weekend she was part of the Blackburn side that beat Manchester Utd, and she harbours hopes of playing for England.

Mum Marie said: “None of the boys with us at McDonald’s were interested but Abbie wanted to give football a go, and she’s never had her football boots off since.

“When she was at Carlisle their centre of excellence closed down, but fortunately Abbie had an opportunity to go to Blackburn.

“The club invited her to four training sessions to see how she would go, but took her on after three.”

Abbie’s football success comes at no small expense to her family.

Marie and husband Ian are happy to make the £500-a-month sacrifice, and travel four hours, especially if it helps Abbie fulfil her dream and play for England.

Abbie is being supported by bosses at Netherhall Community Sports Centre, who have given her free access to their facilities in order to help maintain her fitness when she’s not training with Blackburn.

First published at 11:49, Friday, 07 September 2012
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk