EXCITEMENT is mounting with two Albion stars celebrating the fact the 2021 Women’s European Football Championships are just 500 days away.

Danique Kerkdijk and Rianna Jarrett visited an Albion In The Community soccer school and both are aiming to be involved next summer.

Albion, who are currently ninth in the FA Women’s Super League, are managed by former England boss Hope Powell and her international stars are aiming to inspire Albion’s next generation of talent ahead of the tournament, which kicks off in England on Sunday, July 11, next year.

It is taking place across eight host cities which include Brighton, London, Manchester, Sheffield, Milton Keynes, Southampton, Rotherham and Wigan.

The Amex is one of the stadia to host qualifying and knockout matches, with the final set to take place at Wembley Stadium.

Danique, who signed for Albion from Bristol City, was a member of the Netherlands squad that reached the 2019 Women’s World Cup Final.

The Netherlands are currently reigning champions of Europe, but Danique is yet to feature in the qualifying campaign and has been an unused sub in all six of their qualifiers.

But the 23-year-old has high hopes ahead of the Championships and is determined to make the squad.

She said: “I hope so, I was in the squad for the World Cup final last year, and it was a great experience. It was my first tournament experience with the senior squad.

“Playing in one of the biggest tournaments in this country, for the youngsters watching it shows them it’s real and hopefully it will inspire them to want to play in a tournament one day.

“Three years ago, the Euros were in the Netherlands and you could definitely see how it inspired the young girls.

“Participation in the sport increased and the crowd turnouts for women’s games got even better.

“The England women’s team definitely has a chance and will get plenty of support.

“If you look over the past couple of years they have sold out stadiums and inspired so many. Brighton is such a beautiful city and we are really lucky to have so many games hosted here in the tournament too.”

Team-mate Rianna also hopes the tournament can help to inspire the women’s game but means business with her Republic of Ireland team-mates as they look to qualify for their first-ever major tournament.

She said: “When we got the draw for our qualifying group, as a group we felt it was our best opportunity to qualify for our first-ever tournament.

“We are unbeaten with two wins and a draw so far and we have got a massive double-header coming up against Greece and Montenegro before Germany in April to hopefully secure qualification.

“If we do qualify we are definitely looking to do more than to just take part, we will give it our best go for sure.”

Rianna also believes a home tournament here in England will help to inspire and improve the women’s game, adding: “The tournament being held throughout the country makes it makes it more accessible for fans to come and watch the games.”