Pearl's Saracens adventure 'Goal-Play for England Red Roses'

My Name is Pearl Wilson I am 16 years old from Beccles in Suffolk and am writing asking for your help in reaching my dream of ultimately representing the England Roses at rugby union.

I have recently completed my GCSEs at Sir John Leman High School in Beccles and through my rugby performances I have been offered the chance to complete my education at Oaklands College Hertfordshire. Alongside my education I have been given the opportunity to train and play for Saracens Rugby Club Elite Academy.

I started playing rugby for Beccles aged 8 before moving to the largest local women's rugby club in Norwich, aged 15. Whilst playing for Norwich I have been selected for Suffolk and Eastern Counties U16 Ladies fixtures for the 2023/24 season.

As a result of my performances for Eastern Counties, I was approached by Saracens Rugby Club where I successfully came through several trials process, I was offered a place in their Saracens Elite Academy. The aim from there is to progress to the full time professional senior squad at Saracens, which currently boasts eight England internationals.

Studying and playing at Oaklands will mean me having to live on campus – the fees for my accommodation and tuition fees will amount to £15,000 over the two year period, this is after I have received a small bursary.

My family have been able to raise half of this amount and I will be applying to local and national charities for funding. The clubs I have represented have offered to hold lunches during this period too.

I would be most grateful for any financial help, that enables me to fulfill my dream, which is to play for:

The Red Roses at Twickenham