EMILY BROOKES, a 16-year-old from Malmesbury, has been selected to represent England at lacrosse on a tour to the United States.

She will travel to Washington DC on Saturday (July 5) with the England U19 team.

Emily has been playing lacrosse for four years.

“I didn’t expect in a million years that I’d get this far with lacrosse,” said Emily, who plays defence wing for Westonbirt school first team.

“I’m really excited about the tour though it will be hard work.”

She will be one of the youngest on the England party which will be taking part in a university tournament and a three-day lacrosse camp.

“I used to play rugby but as I got older I decided I wanted to try something else," she said. "I chose lacrosse because it is such a fast moving sport and is very physical.”

Now the Year 11 student is setting her sights on eventually playing for England in the World Cup.

Lizanne Johnson, director of sport at Westonbirt, said: “At U18 and U21 I was captain of the England team. It's a wonderful experience to play for your country, especially on a tour like this to America. Emily has worked hard for her place.”