Globally, women’s football has been growing at a steady pace, attracting bigger crowds with every tournament. This has inspired local players to aim to new heights in pursuit of becoming the best in the world.
Eleven-year-old Gabriella Kelly-Niemack is one such player. She was selected to represent the Rand Central LFA football team. She will be required to travel to Spain and participate in the Donosti Cup tournament in July. This five-star international tournament attracts over 300 teams from across the world. Gabriella will be part of the U/14 girls team and she is looking forward to showcasing her skills in front of an international audience.
“This is my chance to play against strong teams and as a defender I can show how solid I am with clearing the lines and being the last line of defence,” she said.
The talented defender has been training five days a week to prepare for the tournament in Spain but she is worried about the travel costs and is hoping the community would be able to assist her.
Gabriella started playing soccer for Florida Albion Football Club when she was four years old and has grown to become part of the club’s development centre which further nurtures young talent.
“I love playing soccer because it calms me down and takes away the anger and frustration I get from school. It makes me feel happy and I’m always smiling during training and matches. The training at the centre is hard but it pushes my development further so I can become even more skilful,” she said.
Her favourite player and the one she looks up to is Cristiano Ronaldo for his skills, speed and technique.
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