Sophie Froud is in seventh heaven after receiving a call-up to the Great Britain softball team.

Sophie, 17, only took up the sport seven months ago - and then she was just messing about throwing a ball around.

Sophie Froud

But her natural talent was noticed by the watching British coach, and her name was put forward to the Great Britain team where, after a trial, she was selected for the Junior World Cup in Florida in November.

The Rose Hill youngster, who is currently studying for her BTec national diploma in sports science at Oxpens, could hardly believe her luck, and admits her national call still hasn't sunk in.

"The only reason I started playing at school was because I had an American PE teacher," Sophie explained.

"Although I was aware the Great Britain coach was around when I was playing at the Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre - it was part of my Community Sports Leadership Award - I had no idea that my name had been put forward for the team.

"I was surprised when I got the call, but I'm really excited now.

"I'm a bit scared because it will be the first time I will have played the fast pitch version of the game, but I'm looking forward to it." **Picture: Ed Nix