LJMU student Nikita Parris played vital role for England at Euro 2017

There’s one particular player in the England women's team that we followed closely here at Liverpool John Moores University. Nikita Parris, an LJMU student, helped put her team through to the quarter final stage of Euro 2017 against Portugal to allow them to go on and beat France. Her clever goal that sealed the deal deserves to be watched again.

The 23-year old, who was born in Toxteth and plays for Manchester City, has made her mark at the tournament. Although she’s played at age-group level for England, this summer’s Euro was her first tournament at senior level.

Nikita is one of LJMU’s Sport Scholars and is studying on the Sport Development degree. So how does she find balancing her career as an elite footballer with her studies?

"Doing both football and studies is difficult at times," she said. "It’s hard especially between March and June when my final assignments and tests have to be completed, as well as it being the start of my football season. But with the full support of my tutors and good communication between my club and my course leader we make it work."

And how does she find her course so far?

"The people on my course, both staff and students are amazing. We are only a small course but it's a tight knit group and everyone is willing to help each other along the way. Eventually upon completion of the course I would like to do a PGCE and become a PE teacher at a secondary school."

Find out more about Sport Scholarships and sport-related degrees at Liverpool John Moores University.