AN ORPINGTON footballer has been called up by the Team GB women’s squad for this summer’s Olympic Games.

Claire Rafferty, 23, was named in an 18-strong squad at Wembley earlier today by Team GB manager Hope Powell.

“Narrowing my squad down to 18 was very, very tough because of the calibre of player we’ve got coming through now,” said Powell.

“But we were very extensive in our scouting and our research and I believe we have got an excellent squad in terms of quality, balance and strength in depth.

“They are all current internationals with plenty of experience.

“This is a great chance for these players to be involved in something huge and it gives us a great platform to further raise the profile of the women’s game.”

Rafferty attended St James’ Primary School in Petts Wood and Colfe’s School in Lee as a youngster and began her football career with Blackheath-based Kent Magpies.

She broke into the Millwall Lionesses’ first team at the age of just 14 before joining Chelsea in 2007.

Rafferty is also an England international and was chosen by Powell for last year’s World Cup, which ended with a heartbreaking shootout miss against France at the quarter-final stage.

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