Football star advises Solihull pupils on achieving goals

Aoife Mannion, England football star, was the guest of honour at the annual Benchers' Soiree

Posted by Lucinda Reid | June 17, 2017 | Sports & Leisure

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Birmingham City and England under-23 ladies football star, Aoife Mannion, has returned to Solihull School to deliver an inspiring speech to students on how to achieve their goals.

Aoife, who attended Solihull School between 2012 and 2014, was the guest of honour at the annual Benchers’ Soiree, a celebration to mark the end of the prefect body’s year in office.

The 21-year-old footballer addressed around 50 students at the event and gave advice on how to achieve a balance between studying and life outside academia.

Aoife began playing football as part of Aston Villa’s centre of excellence while she was a student at Solihull and quickly made a name as a versatile defender.

In August 2013, aged 18, she signed for Birmingham City ahead of the Champions League, where she made her European debut against Finnish team, PK-35 Vantaa.

At international level, Aoife has represented England at under-15, under-17, under-19, under-20 and under-23 level. She was also part of the England squad in the 2010 UEFA European Women’s under-17 Championship.

She said: “I was delighted to be asked to return as a guest to the Benchers' Soiree. It was a lovely evening, everyone was so welcoming and I felt as though I had not been away at all. Solihull School is a special community.”

David Lloyd, Headmaster, added: “It was wonderful to welcome back one of our distinguished former students and for Aoife to share her experiences which have led her to in international sporting success.”