Sahara Osborne-Ricketts may be only 16, but she's gunning for honours as an international footballer.

The young centre-half is well on the way to the top, having been selected for all-conquering Arsenal's academy as well as securing a place in the England under 17 training squad.

"I'm definitely aiming to become a professional footballer," said Sahara from her home in Nye Bevan Close, Cowley.

She has been awarded a two-year scholarship by Arsenal, which mean she will complete her education at Oaklands College, St Albans, along with other girls from European champiions Arsenal.

"I'll be studying a sports science degree and hope eventually go into sports management," she said.

But at the moment, football comes first, says Sahara who has just left Gregory The Great School, Cowley.

This weekend, the niece of former Oxford United and Oxford City footballer Rolston Ricketts is attending her first England Under 17 squad training camp at Bradfield College in Berkshire.

This is a far cry from young girl, who started football at the age of four and later played for Bullingdon Boys and Oxford City Colts.

She actually represented Oxfordshire Under 10 boys team in the last year she was eligible.

For the last five years she has played for Reading Ladies, gradually progressing to their Southern League side.

It was while playing for them, that Sahara was spotted by an Arsenal scout, who recommended the Gunners to take her on.

Football is undoubtedly in the blood, for her brother Elliott, who is one-year-old, is in his second year at Luton Town and has been playing for their reserves following as spell at Chelsea.

But according to their mother, Benita, there's no great rivalry between them.

"They just try to help each other, which is great,"she said.