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Posted on February 6th 2020
Interview with England Footballer, Lexi, HBAED Year 12 Student
We interview Lexi, Year 12 at HBAED, who plays for Chelsea women U18 and the England national U17 team, about her training, ambitions and how she balances football and studies.
Q: What do you study at Harris Boys’ Academy, East Dulwich?
I currently study CTEC Sport, Extended Certificate and Diploma, as well as CTEC Business, Extended Certificate. I am also an Enrichment Leader for the Sixth Form, which enables me to plan engaging sporting activities for my classmates.
Q: How has your training supported your independence and drive to succeed?
I travel independently via train to locations across the UK, which has really helped improve my independence. It has also helped my team work and communication skills, as a lot of my team are not from South East London and I have needed to adapt how I communicate to them. I have been driven to stay on my own pathway, rather than get distracted from negative influences.
Lexi, left, playing for England U17s.
Q: How has studying Business & Sport helped you progress in your football training?
Studying Sport has helped me to understand how my body works and recovers, energy systems and different muscle groups. This is so important to me, so I can always try to prevent injury and ensure my career in football continues to develop.
Business helps me to build a business when I am older as I want to create an all-girls team in Southwark to help promote girls football and to let girls have greater knowledge about the pathway towards getting to the best you can be and where you can end up to.
Q: How do you manage to juggle your current studies with football training?
In lesson I stay completely focused, keep on track and adhere to all deadlines set. In some cases I try and submit my work in advance of the deadline to help me manage my time with upcoming games or training. I think communicating with your teacher is key to stay on top of deadlines, as they are can accommodate you if they fall behind and need an extension.
Q: Most memorable experience in football?
A scout approached me when I was 10 years old playing for my local club in Peckham Rye Park and asked if I would want to play for Arsenal ladies centre of excellence performance club. It was a huge moment for me and helped me to where I am today.
