The 21-year-old, who hails from Nelson, has been awarded a contract at Blackburn Rovers, who play in the Premier League National Division.

Rebecca, who has just completed a Foundation Degree in Sports Coaching and Performance at Burnley College's Sixth Form Centre, was initially spotted playing for Burnley FC girls before moving on to Manchester City.

She is now hoping to make the grade playing against teams including Liverpool, Everton, Arsenal and Chelsea, and will combine playing for last season's Lancashire Challenge Cup winners with topping-up her Foundation Degree to a full BA Hons Degree in Sports Science at Burnley College's partner university, the University of Central Lancashire.

Rebecca, who is hoping to follow in the footsteps of Burnley-born England keeper Rachel Brown, said: "At Manchester City I was playing against teams at a regional level, so to be playing at a national level is a big step towards my dream of becoming a full-time professional.

"The support I have received from my coaches at Burnley College, Burnley FC and Manchester City, as well as when I've spoken to Rachel Brown, has really helped me get to where I am."

Rebecca was a member of the Burnley College Girls Academy team which won the North West league last season.

Burnley College's Academy teams are run in conjunction with Burnley Football Club, and players are able to study any one of the wide range of courses available at the college, while training and being coached at Turf Moor.

This allows players to gain the skills necessary to progress into Higher Education or employment while receiving coaching from UEFA-qualified staff and be eligible for trials for the British Colleges team and the county side.