Ashleigh's Streets ahead

Young Arsenal Ladies star, Ashleigh Goddard, has achieved two of all young footballers’ wildest dreams – being named Britain’s most skilful street footballer and winning tickets to the World Cup Final in the process.

Ashleigh plays for the Ladies’ reserve side and has also represented England U15s and U17s, and was a contestant in the 'Wayne Rooney’s Street Striker' series, recently screened by Sky.

Having raced through the trials, she went all the way – beating 23 competitors, both boys and girls, to become the winner of the series after completing a range of fiendish street-themed skills tests. And what’s more, Wayne Rooney himself had glowing words for her abilities.

Ashleigh told us: “Everyone was spellbound when Wayne Rooney turned up. He’s such an amazing footballer and not many people get the opportunity to meet him. He was quiet but really nice – he genuinely cared about the show and how we did.

“The whole point of me applying for the show was to have a bit of fun – I never expected to win in a million years! I was shocked and still am, two months on.

“Wayne congratulated me, saying that I deserved it and had done well. I couldn’t be happier - for someone like Wayne Rooney to say something like that to you is incredible. Now I can’t wait for the World Cup Final – England against Brazil, Spain or France would be a dream.”