SINCE leaving Thomas Hardye School and moving to the bright lights of London, in order to join Chelsea Ladies Academy, Amber Guy-Kemp has experienced a challenging first year.

The Dorchester ace was snapped up by the Blues last summer as part of a two-year National Diploma in Sport.

Her debut game ended in despair though, as the county town star severed ankle ligaments and dislocated a shoulder – resulting in months of frustrating rehabilitation.

Guy-Kemp’s confidence was unmoved and she became more determined than ever to fulfil her lifelong ambition of turning football into a full-time career.

Having already been recognised by Kingston College as an outstanding student, receiving a special commendation for her work and leadership skills, the 17-year-old was further rewarded by British Colleges Sport when she was made a National Ambassador, one of only 10 places given to the nation’s top students.

Guy-Kemp will now follow an intensive programme of training, personal development, event experience and will be the face of the leadership and volunteering programme at all levels, which will also take her to India as part of an international programme in autumn 2011.

It has already been a hectic summer for the right winger as, in a bid to bring her fitness levels back up, she took up the increasingly popular game of futsal with Fulham Women, helping them to land the UK title in Manchester.

It was then off to Nottingham for the BSC National Conference followed by a week-long FA Young Leaders camp in the West Midlands at Wolverhampton University, where World Cup referee Howard Webb was mentoring.

Guy-Kemp is now back in London for pre-season training and looking forward to the start of the new season.

However, she is still desperate for funding to see her through this final year before she hopes to gain a full scholarship, which will take her across the pond to America.

Currently, the teenager is entirely reliant on friends and family who tirelessly fundraise to pay for accommodation, college fees, travel, boots and kit.

Anyone interested in helping Guy-Kemp can contact Maria Kemp via mariatkemp@msn.com