From the first moment Elysia Boddy strode into the NUFC Women’s arena and even more confidently on to the pitch in the famous black and white stripes she looked a star. Now that star quality has been richly rewarded.
A mere 32 games into her United career, which she started by helping Wor Lasses to promotion last season and is now helping consolidate their Championship position, she’s been called up to the Lionesses Under-23 squad.
These are heady times for Newcastle United and England selection with Anthony Gordon, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento all playing in the recent 5 – 0 win for the senior side against the Republic of Ireland in the Nations League.
Boddy’s call-up also comes after Lewis Miley’s debut for England U21s over the international break, along with 17-year-old Geordie Sean Neave joining Trevan Sanusi and Leo Shahar in England U18 action.
Many expect Boddy who is still only 20-years-old to eventually forge the same path from the junior ranks to the senior squad sometime in the future. Certainly, no-one would bet against the dynamic, energetic, skilful strong midfielder making that leap eventually.
It completes a great week for Boddy who had a big part in Newcastle’s dramatic 99th minute Gallowgate end equaliser in the 1 – 1 draw with Southampton on Sunday at St’ James Park. Anyone who saw the celebration would know how much it meant to Boddy.
Earlier that week Boddy, was awarded with the Jack Hixon trophy for Tyneside’s most promising youngster at the prestigious Sport Newcastle Awards for 2024. Commenting on the award Boddy spoke very well.
“I was privileged to win the award. To be recognised in the city I’m living in and feel loved by the club and community is so special. I know how much the Jack Hixon trophy means to his family and Newcastle as a city so to win it is very special.”
“I spoke to Jack’s daughter at the event and she told me how much it meant to her and how happy he would be to know it was going to a women’s football player so I’m privileged to receive it.”
After signing a new three-year contract with United in September of this year it seems the sky’s the limit for the former England Under-19 international as she hopefully makes the next step-up at National level.
Emma Coates’ side play two Euro League fixtures facing Norway at the Fredrikstad Stadium on Thursday, 28th November before returning home to face Sweden at Doncaster Rovers’ Eco-Power Stadium on Monday, 2nd December.
Also receiving an international call-up is Midfielder/Defender Lois Joel who is part of the Wales squad which will face the Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Women’s EURO play-off final over two legs.
Rhian Wilkinson’s charges play the first leg at the Cardiff City Stadium on Friday, 29th November before heading to Dublin’s Aviva Stadium for the second leg on Tuesday, 3rd December. Joel currently has five senior caps to her name.
These are heady times for NUFC Women who only three seasons ago were playing at the fourth tier of domestic football and now have international players in their midst with forward Shania Hayles also a regular for the Jamaican international senior squad.
