Canterbury’s own gets England call up

Ashford footballer Nicole Pepper has been selected to play for England Universities.

This is the second year that the Canterbury Christ Church University student has been given the call up.

The 23-year-old has recently been signed by Crystal Palace Ladies where she has made three appearances so far.

The defender also helped her team over the line at Varsity earlier this month with a great goal coming forming a free kick, many would say it was the highlight of the match.

Nicole Pepper helped Christ Church Women’s football team win their Varsity match earlier on this year.
Photo Credit: Ken Matcham Photography.

Pepper herself said that football is her life and her love for the game is only growing stronger.

She said: “I’m really pleased to have been selected to represent not only the English Universities but also Christ Church itself.

“I have had many good years of sporting achievements whilst completing my studies at Christ Church, I feel that this is the last way I can finish my studies on a high.

“Football is my life, if you were to ask anyone who knows me they would say I spent my hours playing or training. I love the game and when on the pitch all the daily problems in life go away.

“I can’t wait to get started.”

Nicole Pepper has had a very good season and has been very rewarded with a call up to the England Universities squad
Photo Credit: England University Sport

CCCU sports president Chloe Woolaway believes that Pepper will fit in just fine and do everyone proud.

She said: “Nicole, was part of the English Universities team last year, so no doubt she’ll do us all proud again this year.

“As many of us have seen from Varsity she’s an incredible player, who currently plays for Crystal Palace and is also one our top scholars.”

Congratulations to Football Sport Scholar and PGCE Secondary Education student Nicole Pepper who has been selected to represent England Universities in the Home Nations Tournament later this month. ⚽??????? pic.twitter.com/GxHCslPi1P

— Christ Church Sport & Active Health (@CCCUSport) April 4, 2019

Marketing and Communications manager for Christ Church sport James Cook is thrilled that one of the university scholars has been picked for England

He said: “We are absolutely thrilled that one of the university’s’ sport scholars has been selected to represent England Universities.

“Nicole is truly a fantastic talent and we can’t wait to see where all her hard work will take her next.”

Pepper is set to compete in the Home Nations tournament later this month.