A WORLD Cup finals appearance at demanding altitude in Chile may seem a million miles away from a windswept playing field in Droitwich but one former Spa junior footballer is preparing herself for an appearance on the game's biggest stage later this year.

Chelsea Weston's playing career started as a promising striker with boys team Droitwich Spa at the tender age of six.

Weston held her own among the boys for four seasons before being talent-spotted by top-flight side Birmingham City Ladies as a ten-year-old in 2000.

Since those early days with Droitwich the 17-year-old has been making a name for herself and is now a regular starter for Redditch-based Birmingham in the Premier Division of FA Women's Premier League - the top flight of women's game in England.

Her success at Birmingham - where her versatility has seen her appear as left-back, right-back, central defender, right wing and central midfielder - has been mirrorred by a stellar international career which has seen her promoted to the England under-19s despite still being eligible for the under-17s.

Weston last season established herself as one of the first names on the team sheet for the younger age group, helped no doubt by the presence of club manager Laura Harvey on the coaching staff.

After starring in Easter tournaments for the 17s the Worcester-based right-back was elevated to Mo Marley's under-19s squad and played her part as England reached the European under-19s Championship final where she played in the 2-0 defeat to Germany in Reykjavik.

England's performance means Marley's squad will be one of four European representatives in next year's FIFA Under-20s World Cup finals in Chile and Weston would seem a good bet to be involved, in late November and early December.

"I was delighted to be called up to play for the older age group," said Weston, "It was a dream to be promoted just in time to play in the Euro finals in Iceland.

"I'm not thinking about Chile because that's a long way away. Right now I'm concentrating on playing regularly for Birmingham and anything else that happens is a bonus.

"I loved playing for Droitwich, obviously I was very young at the time but I remember winning a tournament with them and I got a few goals playing as a striker!"

Weston has figured prominently in the current Euros under-19s qualifying campaign - which has seen England drawn against Iceland, Belgium and Poland in a mini-tournament to be played from April 24-29 with the group winners and the best remaining runner-up joining hosts France in July's finals.

But of more immediate concern to the former Droitwich ace is a domestic campaign which has seen Birmingham revive after a dreadful start left them down among the relegation candidates.