While many of us dream of representing our country at our chosen sport, it's very much a day in the life for Magherafelt High School Sixth-form student Simone Magill.

Simone currently captains the womens U-19 team, who just recently qualified for the second round of the European championships, having successfully negotiated tricky ties against the hosts Belgians (1-1), Lithuania (2-0 win), and a much-fancied Romanian side (3-0). Simone and her team-mates now face an anxious wait until they find out who their opponents will be in the second round proper.

Simone is very unassuming about her achievements, and to speak to her you would never guess you were speaking to a young woman who has already achieved more in her sporting career than most people can ever dream about; for Simone's list of achievements do not stop with captaining the Under-19 side, last year Simone earned 10 full International Caps, playing alongside another former High School student, Sarah McFadden.

With the International season beginning now in Octover, Simone will no doubt will have a busy year ahead of her with tough games against Bulgaria, Belgium, Norway, Hungary and Iceland. Simone has just started her Lower Sixth studies at the High School and while she remains committed to giving her best on the pitch for her country, she is equally committed off the pitch and in classroom. Simone is a very focused and disciplined student as well with a bright future ahead of her. The school are extremely proud of her achievements and wish her all the very best in the forthcoming Internationals.

Mr Martin

1st Octoer 2011