Para dressage rider Rowan Crosby believes she can be inspired by the teamwork on display at the SSE Women’s FA Cup final as she looks to give her own career a boost.

The young rider, from Llanfynydd, Flintshire, benefits from being part of the SSE Next Generation programme that supports talented young sportspeople, and was one of the athletes selected to experience a behind-the-scenes tour of Wembley Stadium before the cup final on May 13.

Crosby watched Manchester City beat Birmingham City 4-1, and drew comparisons between her sport and football after observing how one athlete may rely on a wider team to succeed.

“Seeing the teamwork and how the players handled losing was also quite inspiring. Losing is upsetting and I thought the Birmingham players handled it very, very well,” said the 15-year-old.

“I’ve been riding for 14 years, but only competing in para dressage for the last four.

“It is a bit like horse ballet – it takes a lot of patience, a lot of bonding with the horse, it’s a lovely sport to do and the horse is absolutely amazing.

“And it’s very much like football because you have to rely on others – the horse and the team behind the scenes that help you compete.

“They’re all really good role models to watch – the excitement of the Manchester City team too – they’re incredible players and I’ll take a lot from it.”

And the experience of touring around Wembley was extra special for Crosby thanks to her obsession with the game, and in particular Tottenham Hotspur.

“I’m a big football fan and I often play with my brother,” she added. “I support Spurs, so being in London and seeing the stadium they’re going to be competing in next season is good, I do love football. I’m really excited.

“It’s been an amazing experience – to see it behind the scenes as well is amazing. I had a great day and have really enjoyed it.

“It means a lot to me – coming here as well as getting the funds to further my sporting career and getting advice on other things like social media, thanks to SSE.”

The teenager won the British Dressage Para Rider of the Year award in 2014, and has set her sights on making it to the very top.

She hopes to ride at a future Paralympic Games and already has her eyes on a podium spot.

“Being a part of the SSE Next Generation scheme means a lot to me,” she said. “It offers amazing experiences like this to open my eyes to other sports.

“It also helps fund my sport to go further into the future and help me do my best to compete at my sport.”

Since 2013, SSE is proud to make a difference to young people, their families and their communities, by investing in the future of sporting talent through the SSE Next Generation scheme. Keep up to date @YourSSE