Tears of joy as Grace earns England call-up
Proud Shropshire mum Sarah Holland-Smith has told how she was in floods of tears when the news broke that footballing daughter Grace Smith had been called up to the England under-17s squad.
Villa midfielder Smith, 16, hit the headlines last year when she made the move across the Black Country divide to sign from Albion.
And after a year with Villa's under-17 side, Smith has attracted national attention and earned a place in John Griffiths' squad.
Bridgnorth-based Sarah said: "Chloe received an email letting her know that she's been called up and then the tears started.
"I must admit they were mainly mine and then we called her grandad and he cried on the phone.
"We're over the moon. We are so delighted we're at that stage when we're stopping strangers in the street to tell them.
"It doesn't get much better than being selected to represent your country.
"Grace has worked really hard for it."
The former Oldbury Wells student, who is now at sixth form at King Edwards College in Stourbridge, is set to fly out to Germany on December 13 to participate in a three-team tournament against France and Germany.
Grace was scouted during her performances for Villa this season, and at three England training camps in October at Bisham Abbey, where they trained under the scrutiny of the English staff.
"She's a newcomer to the squad," mum Sarah said.
"It's all very exciting for her.
"She's been training twice a week but that's gone up to three times now and then there's matches on Saturdays.
"It's been pretty intense for her since she was eight.
"This kind of news makes it all worthwhile."
Grace was transformed from a centre-forward into a central midfielder during her first season at Villa. Her keen eye for a pass saw her become a key member of the squad and eventually take the captaincy.
Villa's under-17 side got to the FA Youth Cup final last season before suffering a defeat to a strong Arsenal side.
And Bridgnorth's next football star has even started training with the Villa first-team ladies squad.
Mum Sarah revealed how the mature youngster has managed to remain grounded amid all of the euphoria.
"She has a tight group of friends and of course they all know she's a footballer," she said.
"Grace is not one for splashing it all over Facebook. She's very grounded.
"Whereas I'm telling everyone I meet
"She's really into promoting the game for girls.
"The family and Villa are both so proud of her.
"Her older brother Charlie is at Uni and he's so proud.
"The club sent congratulations straight away.
"Everyone is made up for her.
"I just can't wait to see her in an England kit – it feels weird to say those words.
"I'm going to miss her for the six days she's out there."
The squad fly to Duisburg on December 13 before their first game against Germany on December 15 at 1pm GMT.
They round-off the event against France on December 19 (10am)
Smith is the only member of the squad from Villa, with Birmingham City pair Ellie Brazil and Connie Scofield also representing the region.
