Gazette Newspapers editor Mark Jones presents junior women's winner Rebecca Jane with her award

ENGLAND international footballer Rebecca Jane was the winner of the junior women's crown.

Jane, who is 15 years old and lives in Kempshott, had a fine year in 2007, breaking into the England under-17 squad. She travelled to Finland and Georgia with England before representing her country in the Four Nations Tournament and picking up the Michael Austin Harlick Outstanding Sportsperson Award for football.

"It was really good to win the award," Jane said. "Making it into the England squad is a great achievement for me and I hope to be back again next year."

Jane, who plays her club football for Chelsea, has further important international matches to look forward to in 2008.

"I am hoping to be in the England squad that will be attempting to qualify for the European Championships," she added. "If we do that then we might also qualify for the World Cup in New Zealand, which would be great."

Sprinter Holly Croxford, who won the junior award last year, finished second, while Kate Matalli, a successful triathlete, cyclist and rower, came third.

4:00pm Wednesday 12th March 2008

Print

Email this