Aoife, who attended Solihull School between 2012 and 2014, was the guest of honour at the annual Benchers’ Soiree, a celebration to mark the end of the prefect body’s year in office. The 21-year-old footballer addressed around fifty students at the event and gave advice on how to achieve a balance between studying and life outside academia.

Aoife began playing football as part of Aston Villa’s centre of excellence while she was a student at Solihull and quickly made a name as a versatile defender. In August 2013, aged 18, she signed for Birmingham City ahead of the Champions League, where she made her European debut against Finnish team, PK-35 Vantaa.

At international level, Aoife has represented England at under-15, under-17, under-19, under-20 and under-23 level. She was also part of the England squad in the 2010 UEFA European Women’s under-17 Championship.

She said: “I was delighted to be asked to return as a guest to the Benchers’ Soiree. It was a lovely evening, everyone was so welcoming and I felt as though I had not been away at all. Solihull School is a special community.”

Solihull School headmaster David Lloyd added: “It was wonderful to welcome back one of our distinguished former students and for Aoife to share her experiences which have led her to in international sporting success.”