Louisa Sambell was selected for the U18s England touch rugby squad and is now trying to raise funds to compete in the FIT Junior European Championships in France. 

Louisa was just 14 when she competed in a fun summer tournament, only to come out with the female MVP and being asked to partake in training sessions with Essex Touch. 

Her and her brother Charlie attended just one session before being immediately recommended to attend Midland trials –with both then selected to play for the U18 and U15 nationals' squads respectively.

After impressive performances both were selected to attend the High Performance Training Camp for England Touch. 

Louisa was selected for the mixed U18s squad to compete in the FIT (Federation of International Touch) Youth Atlantic Cup last July. 

Louisa and Charlie then went through the whole process again, attending Midlands trials and nationals last September, where both were selected for FIT Junior European Championships.

Louisa made the mixed U18s squad with 16 squad members; while her brother made the U15s as a non-travelling reserve. 

The U18 mixed team consists of 10 boys and 6 girls (Credit: Jim Lucraft)

The tournament is set to take place in Vichy, France in August.

Touch Rugby is a self-funded sport and can cost £1500-2000 per person. 

Due to high costs Louisas' family has set up a GoFundMe page to help fund her high potential in the rapidly growing sport, her family said: "To help Fund Louisa going to France along with the Mixed Under 18's Touch Team to represent England and hopefully bring home the gold in their category we have set up a go fund me page to try and raise £1500.

"This will only part fund it so obviously more would be great but anything will help. 

"We only have a short time to fundraise as we were not allowed to say anything prior to them announcing the teams officially." 

Touch Rugby is a fast growing sport for all ages and genders which could open doors for Louisa in the future. 

The Chief Executive for England Touch, Chris Simon, has suggested the sport could absolutely take over from rugby sevens in the 2032 Olympics, making this tournament vital for Louisa.

Anyone wishing to help Louisa on her journey may donate here.