St Albans News
Heart op teenager Poppy Edwards meets her Hornets heroes
4:40pm Tuesday 21st February 2012
A football mad teenager from Garston had a half term to remember when she was invited to train with her heroes at Watford FC’s London Colney training ground.
Marlborough School student, Poppy Edwards, 14, was given a grand tour of the club’s facilities, including the gym and the player’s canteen, and was then asked to join in as Watford’s goalkeeping coach Alex Chamberlain delivered a training session for Hornet’s keepers Scott Loach and Jonathan Bond, together with players from the Academy and Development squads.
And the week got even better for Poppy on Saturday when her team, Garston Ladies Under 14 Mets, reached the Herts County Cup final for the third year in a row, following a hard-fought victory over local rivals, Watford Ladies.
Poppy and her father, Dean Edwards, spent four hours at London Colney and were overwhelmed with the welcome given to them.
"Everyone was so friendly and relaxed," said Dean. "Poppy was thrilled to meet the players - especially Scott Loach. Several of the squad signed shirts and to be allowed to train with her heroes was the icing on the cake."
Three years ago, Poppy underwent major heart surgery. Her passion for football has helped her to make a full recovery and she now plays regularly in goal for Garston Ladies, her school and the county.
Poppy has been heavily involved in a variety of fund-raising activities for the British Heart Foundation and will shortly be visiting local primary schools to help raise awareness of the importance of sport and healthy eating.