ENGLAND Ladies star Steph Houghton paid Broadstone Middle School’s under-13 girls a visit ahead of a major fixture.

The 24-year-old visited the team, which has won through to the southern region final of the npower League Girls Community Cup.

Houghton, who plays for Arsenal, answered questions and carried out a training session before the regional final, which will be held in Milton Keynes.

The team, which is representing AFC Bournemouth in the competition, hopes to win through to the final at Wembley in April.

“It was a massive boost for the girls that such a well-known and respected player has taken the time to visit and help them,” said Steve Cuss, head of AFC Bournemouth’s Community Sports Trust.

“I know how thrilled they were about the game and her visit and hopefully she has passed on some key information to inspire them on to victory and a well-deserved place in the final at Wembley.”