NOT many teenagers will be spending the summer holiday playing world-class football in front of roaring crowds.

But this is exactly what 17-year-old Jade Steadman will be doing as she prepares to take her place in the England under-19s girls’ football squad.

The teenager, who goes to Homewood School, in Tenterden, has been training with the team since February and is gearing up for her first big game in August.

But it was all a bit of a shock for the head girl.

She said: "At training someone said congratulations for getting into the England squad and I just thought they were joking.

"But the next day I got a letter and saw I was on the website. I never even knew a scout had been watching me. It feels fantastic and is just what I always wanted."

Jade, who lives in John Dutton Way, Kennington, also plays for Charlton and has done so since she was seven-years-old.

This year she joined the ladies’ team and was awarded most improved player and young player of the year.

But amid all the excitement she has also been taking her AS-level exams, the results of which are due in August when she has her first England game.

And it is scoring on the pitch, not the paper, that is at the front of her mind.

"It has been really stressful trying to balance my exams and football especially as I am so excited, it’s hard to concentrate.

"I know how important it is to do well though and I want to be a physiotherapist.

"You need to have a job as well because women footballers are not paid nearly enough compared to the men."