Blues boost for ace Ellie (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Blues boost for ace Ellie

10:50am Wednesday 27th February 2013 in Football By Adam Summers

ELLIE Crabb is back in action at Chelsea after agreeing a new one-year extension to her academy contract.

The talented footballer from Beaminster ruptured her anterior cruciate ligament and tore a meniscus in November 2011, and has since undergone two operations which saw her spend five months on crutches at the beginning of last year.

She finally returned to full-contact training last November before eventually playing in a game against Reading in mid-January – a lengthy recuperation process that appears to have paid dividends.

Crabb, who is also devoted to her studies, said: “Since the Reading game, I have resumed full match fitness, playing at centre-back in a back four or three and at right-back against further opposition including Colchester, Norwich and Bir-mingham, having not missed a game.

“During my spell on the sidelines I still had to travel to and from Guildford in order to fulfil my academic studies and I also put myself in the frame to be nominated as the Student Union President for Merrist Wood College, Guildford College and Farnham College collectively.

“I received the news that I had been voted in back in April of last year and this gave me the motivation to supply others with social activities and help improve the students’ college-wide experience.

“I also completed my BTEC Extended Diploma in Sport Level Three back in July, and have now taken on a new course with coaching company SCL, which involves three certificates in increasing participation in sport and my FA Level Two coaching qualification.

“I have also gained further qualifications in the industry with my referee’s badge, regularly officiating Bridport Under-10s and being Beaminster FC’s assistant referee for the season.

“It’s been a long injury plagued year but it’s great to be back playing now and I would like to thank the Beaminster Charities for their continued support throughout my time at the academy.”