Posted on 22 May 2012
Drew after the semi-final win, right after the final whistle
Drew after the semi-final win, right after the final whistle
A female footballer and former student of Merrist Wood College is now part of Chelsea Ladies' FA Women's Cup Final squad.
Drew Spence could be part of the biggest competition in women's football this weekend when Chelsea face Birmingham City Ladies. The 20-year-old joined Chelsea Ladies during her time on the Female Elite College Academy Programme for under 19s players at Merrist Wood.
Merrist Wood College works in close collaboration with the Chelsea FC Foundation and hosts both a male and female Elite College Academy Programmes for under 19 players.
The two-year course is specifically designed to combine academic studies with professional training and is delivered by FA-qualified Chelsea FC Foundation coaches.
Primarily based at Merrist Wood College, students are also able to access Chelsea Football Club's state-of-the-art training facilities during the weekly programme and home matches in the BCS College League.
Spence's playing skills recently helped Chelsea Ladies secure a place in the FA Women's Cup Final after they beat 11-times FA Cup winners Arsenal Ladies 2-0 in the semi-final at Brentford Football Club's Griffin Park. Chelsea Ladies will now play Birmingham City in the final on Saturday 26 May, which will be screened on Sky Sports.
Spence said: "Reaching the FA Cup Final has always been a dream of mine as a kid, there is no better feeling! Merrist Wood was a good way to end my Academy Programme with my closest friends."