AMY Bradley is following in the footsteps of her heroes after scoring a football contract with Chelsea Ladies.

The 16-year-old former Bishop’s School pupil has moves to London after securing a two-year deal with Chelsea Ladies Under-19 Academy.

The left-sided midfielder has starred for Herefordshire and Hereford Lads Club girls since taking up football at the age of 11.

“I am a big Chelsea fan and my favourite players are Juan Mata and Fernando Torres,” said Amy, from Hereford. “I didn’t think I would get very far but when I got the chance to have a trial at my favourite club I thought I would go for it.”

Amy started her football at FC Phoenix and has been coached for five years by Lads Club’s girls’ Jamie Wright. Wright said: “Amy is one of the most technically gifted and talented footballers I’ve ever come across.

“She has also played a pivotal part in the success of her school football team where she has captained her team to both regional and national success.”

Amy joined girls from the UK and Europe for the trials at Chelsea’s Cobham training ground. “I got an email from Alexis Lunn-Gadd to say that I should go for Chelsea trials at Cobham,” said Amy.

“There was a 25-minute intensive warm-up and continuous matches where everyone played in different positions. “It was hard, but I enjoyed it and my mum had a call a week later to say that I had been successful.”

Amy saw Ashley Cole, Didier Drogba and Torres at Cobham and can’t wait to start her college and football courses. Alongside her training at Chelsea, Amy will study a two-year BTEC Sports Level Three course at college. Wright added: “Everyone is wishing Amy all the very best for her future footballing career.

“We can look forward to the day she plays for Chelsea and maybe England.”