THE coach of the England women’s football team visited a school to tell pupils how she got into the sport.

Hope Powell CBE, herself a former England international, scored 35 goals and won 66 caps for England during an illustrious career.

Around 300 girls at Forest School in College Place, Snaresbrook, listened to Ms Powell speak about her experiences as a player and then as a coach.

Kate Batson, 17, said: “I have applied to study sports science at university, so hearing from Hope about her experiences in football has given me so much food for thought about my career in sports.”

Talented golfer Ashleigh Greenham, 16, said: “It was so great having Hope visit us and speak to us – she is an inspirational figure, and as someone who plays golf seriously and regularly, her advice to me was so priceless.”