AN EXCITING footballer from Clayhall has played her way into the running for a prestigious accolade at the British Asian Sports Awards after receiving a ringing endorsement from England and Milan star David Beckham.

Riana Soobadoo, 17, is one of three names still in with a shot of winning the Junior Sports Personality of the Year award, having beaten off competition from over 200 other entrants.

The Beal High School pupil is carving out quite a career for herself at Barnet Ladies, having already enjoyed her time playing for Leyton Orient and the finest ladies team in the country, Arsenal.

Young Riana may not yet be a household name, but she has already made a lasting impression on ex-Manchester United hero Beckham.

She was chosen, alongside four others, from almost 300 players to take part in a photo shoot with the former England skipper for a new coaching book the midfielder was releasing.

Riana impressed once again and she was even whisked away to Madrid to feature in another advert with Beckham, this time for food products.

“It was one of the best experiences of my life,” she said. She even found time to pick his brain. “He told me to keep working hard and stay dedicated to what I’m doing.

“He is such a normal person, he really is the nicest guy you will ever meet and it’s fantastic because he is one of my idols.”

A midfielder herself, Riana has been developing her game from the age of five. She cites her father as her biggest influence, as she would often watch him play football, before eventually joining a local club.

At just nine-years-old, Riana was snapped up by scouts from Arsenal, where she was able to grow into a promising player.

A stint at Leyton Orient followed, and she is now plying her trade at Barnet, where she has already tasted success, winning the Southern Premier League’s U16 player of the season award last year.

After such a meteoric rise, it is perhaps no surprise to see her name on the shortlist for such an illustrious award. The nomination is made all the more remarkable given that Riana is the only Asian player, to her knowledge, competing in the league.

“I’m so proud that I’ve been recognised from more than 200 people,” she added. “It’s such a privilege to get this far and it would be great to win it.”

So what is next for this talented youngster? “My next step is to bring my game on and try to make the England U19 squad.”

Do not be surprised if there is another trophy adorning her already glittering shelf of awards when the winner of the British Asian Sports Awards are announced at the Grosvenor Hotel on February 6.

To vote for Riana call 09050 260308 or text BASA 308 to 84555. Lines close on Thursday, February 4. For more information visit www.basauk.tv.