Schoolgirl Lily's football dream could slip away if funding not found
SCHOOLGIRL Lily Agg's dream of becoming an international football player is in danger of slipping away unless she can come up with funding to take up her place at Arsenal.
Sixteen-year-old Lily has set her sights set on becoming an England international player after beating hopefuls from across Europe to win a place at the prestigious Gunners' under-19s.
But time is running out for the talented teenager, who is in danger of losing her place because her mum cannot afford the 6,000 a year residential fees.
After exhausting all avenues of funding, Lily now hopes local businesses may come forward to help her achieve her dream.
The former Bishop Bell student started playing football for the boys' A team from the age of five, starting out with Eastbourne Borough before joining Polegate Grasshoppers aged 11.
She has trained at the Brighton and Hove Albion Centre of Excellence for the last five years and has captained England under-15s.
Lily, who gained four A* and two As in her GCSE exams, has been working every day in McDonald's to earn money towards her college fees.
But because her mum Ruth works full-time as a Macmillan nurse, she earns too much to be eligible for funding, and with four children, cannot afford Lily's fees.
Ruth explained to the Gazette that she had been told the only way to get funding for her daughter's education would be to give up her job as a nurse and claim benefits.
"I've brought Lily up to believe that you have to work hard to get what you want but if I had been on benefits, Lily would have received 4,000 a year residential bursary," she said.
"I earn good money but I have four children and need to pay child care fees for my two little ones.
"When you take out the mortgage, there's not much left.
"It's such a tragedy – it's her life, it's her biggest dream."
Pan Patel from the R&J shop on Firle Road has offered to pay the first month of Lily's fees and the family hopes further businesses may come forward to provide further sponsorship. Anyone who can help Lily achieve her footballing dream is asked to get in touch with her mum by calling 749196, or 07920 087059.
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Weather for Bexhill-on-Sea
Thursday 24 May 2012
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