GMI Construction Group PLC

Brayton Belles’ Ladies Football Club player Sophie Ball has made her international debut on England Football Association’s Lions’ Den online series where she spoke with her footballing hero, Raheem Sterling.

The 10-year-old took part in a new section of the show, broadcast live from the England camp in Qatar’s capital Doha, called Signed Shirt Shootout.

She was pitted against Jake from Bristol and the pair had to answer three multiple choice questions to test their knowledge of the Chelsea player.

After each answered all their questions correctly, it came down to a tough tie breaker which unfortunately Sophie lost out on, along with her chance to win a signed England shirt.

However, host Josh Denzel and Raheem were both impressed with her performance, and she received a Lions’ Den goody bag as runner up while the Brayton Belles also bought her chocolates to reward her effort.

Sophie, who donned her distinctive blue Brayton Belles shirt during the live broadcast, only began playing for the Under 11s side earlier this summer. The Selby-based club was able to create its Under 9s, Under 10s and Under 11s sides after securing sponsorship from Yorkshire-based GMI Construction Group.

Sophie said: “It was a bit nervous to be speaking with Raheem, who is one of my heroes, but I think he was surprised that I knew so much about him – it’s just a pity I was wide of the mark on the tie breaker. Still, I really enjoyed taking part and got to wish Raheem good luck in the World Cup!”

Club secretary and player Aine Abbott, who is a Divisional Information Manager with GMI Construction Group, said: “It was great to see Sophie on Lions’ Den wearing her Brayton Belles shirt and displaying her passion for the game.

“Even I was impressed about how much she knew so much about Raheem Sterling, including his middle name, how many goals he scored in the Euros and especially what the special tattoo was on his left arm!”

Lions’ Den is broadcast live to football fans during the 2022 World Cup via England’s official social media channels.

ENDS

News release issued on behalf of GMI Construction Group PLC by Recognition PR.

For further information contact Andrew Douglas on 01325 363436

Photo Caption: Brayton Belles’ Sophie Ball appears on England FA’s Lions’ Den show with guest star Raheem Sterling

Photo Caption: Goalkeeper Sophie (front, second right) with her Brayton Belles Under 11s teammates

Notes to editor

About GMI Construction Group

GMI Construction Group PLC is an established and successful UK contractor and construction services company providing specialist design and build capabilities spanning multiple sectors.

Celebrating 35 years in 2022, the company has a proven track record for the delivery of high quality, energy efficient, often complicated projects from inception to completion with a strong focus on innovation and technology.

It operates across multiple sectors and markets including commercial offices, mixed-use buildings, residential, retail, education, distribution and logistics, manufacturing, hotels, and leisure.

Driven by strong core values, its focus is on exceeding customers to leave a positive legacy in the communities we serve, protecting the environment for the future generation and promoting a safe and inclusive workplace for our colleagues.

https://gmiconstructiongroup.co.uk/