Norfolk-raised professional footballer Vaila Barsley has been named in the Scotland squad for the Uefa Women’s European Championship.

The former pupil of Flegg High School, in Martham, plays for Eskilstuna United in Sweden – playing in the Uefa Women’s Champions League last season – and has been named in a 23-woman squad for Scotland’s first major tournament. The 29-year-old grew up in Hemsby and played for Stalham and Lowestoft as she progressed through Norwich City’s Girls’ Centre of Excellence as a youngster and represented England at under-15 level but qualifies for Scotland through her mother.

The squad meet this weekend before facing Republic of Ireland at Stark’s Park in Kirkcaldy, the home of Raith Rovers, on Friday, July 7 (7.30pm). They then fly out to the Netherlands to prepare for their tournament opener against England on Wednesday, July 19. Barsley made her Scotland debut in April and has won three caps.

“I am incredibly honoured to be selected for Scotland and to be in the squad for the Euro’s; to represent your country at a major tournament is what every football player dreams of,” Barsley told NorfolkFA.com, having represented her county at U16, U16 and senior levels previously.

“I cannot wait to meet up with the squad and finalise our preparation. It’s going to be an exciting tournament and a fantastic experience.”