A 12-year-old footballer who is so good she plays for the girls’ and boys’ teams is set to trial at Chelsea.

Annie Biochat, a Year 8 pupil at Fulston Manor, not only competes for her school's team but also Sittingbourne Boys' FC and the London City Lionesses.

From Sittingbourne herself, Annie has her heart set on playing for England.

She said: “What sets me apart from other players is that I actually play in the boys’ team as well as the girls’ team – much to the surprise of opposing players.

“The Sittingbourne Boys are used to me playing matches with them but I can see boys on the other teams sniggering and pointing as I come onto the pitch.

“They soon shut up though when I show them what I can do!”

Annie has been playing since she was just four and joined the boys’ club when six.

Mum Jodie, 41, said: “When she went up to secondary we weren’t sure if she’d still play football, even with boys.

“But she asked if she could trial with them and in the end, she was picked to play.

“Annie is captain of the Sittingbourne Boys’ team and is always the only girl when they bundle on the minibus off to games.”

The soon-to-be 13-year-old is able to play with the opposite gender as long as she is physically able to.

Due to her talent, her parents hope she will be able to continue playing with the boys for another year until she has no other choice but to play against girls.

Jodie added: “Four weeks ago Annie began playing for the London City Lionesses.

“She joined in the hope to start getting used to playing against girls. Annie trains every night of the week and that’s because of her own mindset.

“In our hearts we know she is going to be successful, people and professionals tell us that all the time.”

Annie’s ability to play footie was amplified by her coach and manager, Luke Harvey.

Her mum explained: “The Sittingbourne FC is her main team and her manager, Luke, has really invested in her.

“He took her on and asked if we would allow Annie to play for him.

“She is the player she is through him. Her talent and growth are thanks to her grassroots football club.”

Annie trains hard to keep up with her skills.

She plays centre-back with the boys and trains after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Mondays and Wednesdays are taken up with the girls training in centre mid.

Fulston spokesman Sarah Palmer said: “I’m really excited to see where Annie’s football career takes her. In the meantime, we are incredibly lucky to have her on our side at Fulston.”

Annie’s love for football came from her brother, Elbie, and her dad, Dave.

Her 16-year-old sibling plays for Ebbsfleet and her 41-year-old father used to manage teams.

Since being part of Sittingbourne boys, Annie and her team have won the season league three times. She also won player of the year in 2022.

When Annie was given her award by the chairman they said she “stood out from all of the other players in the whole of Sittingbourne”.

On Friday, she will be trialling for Chelsea FC’s Under 13s team in Carshalton, south London.

Her mum added: “Annie’s dream is to play for England and she is adamant to do just that.

“Her goal is to play in the World Cup.

“Annie is different, she’s not worried about the boys, she’s not nervous or intimated by them.

“When she talks about joining the England team, it’s when not if. That is her mindset.”

Annie has been lucky enough to not experience any discrimination when out on the pitch and has a great bond with all the lads on her team.

However, she is aware this isn’t always the case for girls.

She said: “If you want to do something you can always achieve it.

“Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not as good as the boys. You can be better!”