Talented teenager Tegan Wheeler has been called up to the Wales under-19 ladies’ national football team after successful trials last month.
Wheeler, who is just 17, is captain of Spalding United’s under-18 girls’ side and also features for the ladies’ team.
She shone at the trials, which were held at the Wales National Football Development Centre in Newport on October 28.
The trials were split into three sections – technical skills, small-sided games (SSG) and a nine-a-side game. Wheeler came into her own from her experiences and shone in the first two phases, with a third of the 24 players released after the SSG.
Within the nine-a-side game she was instrumental showing the influential side of her game with organising and leadership displayed throughout.
Her quick thinking and understanding of coaching phases and terminology helped her to progress within her play.
Unfazed and overjoyed, Wheeler was informed of her under-19 selection by the Welsh FA on Friday.
Wheeler has been representing Spalding United’s girls and ladies’ teams for the past two years. She has also been selected for the Lincolnshire Schools County team and has been mentored and coached by her father, Julian Wheeler, along with Tulips’ coach Jordan Clark this season.
Julian said: “Being a part of Spalding United has allowed Tegan to be challenged in a supportive and safe environment where she has learnt from her own mistakes in order to unleash her creativity and to exploit her true potential.”
Away from football, Tegan is completing her FUTSAL BTEC level 3 at Peterborough United and Nene Park Academy.
She is looking forward to be joining the squad in the new year and knows this opportunity may lead to a lot of life changing decisions. Wheeler, who may have to move to South Wales, is relishing the opportunities it will bring.
All associated within Spalding United FC, parents, family members, players and friends wish her the best of luck.
