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21 May 2021
Bolton School Girls’ Division Sixth Form student Anna Phillips has won a four-year football scholarship to study at the University of Oregon, starting this September.
A delighted Anna reflected: ‘Ever since I was young and started playing football I have always wanted to study and play in the US. I am blown away by the sport and academic facilities and I can’t wait to get out there. The ambition, positivity and feeling of team at the University of Oregon is something I want to be a part of.
‘It has been an exciting time for me in recent months as I also broke into the Manchester City Women’s Development Squad. I started playing football when I was 7, for an all-girls’ club called Academy Juniors in Bolton. When I became 13, I was encouraged by my coach Emma to trial at Manchester City and after 4 weeks of training, I was offered a place in their squad. From that point I have been on a whirlwind journey and had some amazing experiences including winning the FA Youth Cup and making my England youth debut in Holland. Alongside this I have played tournaments in Europe for City and represented England in the U17s’ Euros.
‘I was encouraged by my mum and dad to participate in a range of sports and they would spend hours in the car taking me to all my training and games. I am inspired by all strong women in sport, especially Steph Houghton and Lucy Bronze, who work so hard to be at the top of their game.
‘My top tips for anyone who wants to go down the sport route is to be extremely organised. Whatever sport you do, you must enjoy it, listen to your coaches and try to be the best you can be.’
An excited Head Coach at Oregon, Graeme Abel, who will welcome six new players in the Autumn of this year, commented: ‘We are extremely excited to add this class to our program, it gives a great mix of technical ability and athleticism. We needed to add depth and additional quality to our roster and feel as though we have really found it. We can’t wait for Kess, Alice, Anna, Maddy, Kaitlyn and Lara to arrive on campus!’
