Hi, my name is Lillian, and I’m 16 years old. Soccer has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I started playing at age 5, and not long after, during a practice where all of us were running around chasing the ball in a tight group, my parents watched me suddenly wander over to the empty net and begin guarding it after seeing the ball roll in earlier, my instincts were already strong.

At age 9, when I moved into competitive soccer, I played as a defensive player, but I knew deep down that a defense position wasn’t meant for me. By age 11, I made the move to goalkeeper and I haven’t looked back, a choice that has truly changed my life.

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Since then, I’ve dedicated myself fully to this position. I spend countless hours training, studying game footage, learning from coaches, and doing everything I can to grow as an athlete. I don’t just attend practices and games with my club, I also train at a private goalie school that provides intense, specialized sessions focused on technique, positioning, and endurance.

Over the last two years, I’ve also added another private goalie school to my schedule, when possible—one that not only pushes me to become a stronger goalkeeper but also teaches me how to become a better person, teammate, and leader. Through these schools, I’ve been fortunate to train with several professional goalkeepers from Europe and the United States, including Kailen Sheridan (North Carolina Courage, Canadian Women’s National Team), Casey Murphy (Boston Legacy FC, United States National Team) as well as Jillian Loyden (former goalkeeper for United States National Team). Training with goalkeepers at this level has pushed my skills and confidence to a whole new level.

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Being a goalkeeper is one of the hardest roles on the field, not just physically, but mentally. I need the psychological strength to stay locked in, focused, and confident no matter what happens. Whether a goal gets past me or I make a huge save, I have to reset instantly, keep my head up, and continue leading my team with clarity and determination.

The physical demands are just as intense. I throw my body into a sea of players during corner kicks, sprint out full force during one on one breakaways, and dive toward balls blasted from point blank range, often getting kicked, stepped on, or knocked down by players moving too fast to avoid contact. These are the moments that challenge me, push me, and shape me. But they’re also where I find my strength. These are the moments where I get to shine simply by doing what I love.

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This season, I joined a new team, and I am now competing at the AAA level, taking another step toward my long term goal of playing professionally in the future.

And now, I have some incredible news to share.

I’ve been invited to compete in an international youth tournament in Barcelona, Spain in October, called the Trofeo Mediterráneo, organized by KOMM MIT—one of the world’s biggest international youth tournament organizers. This tournament will give me the chance to play against top teams from countries like Germany, Argentina, Spain, France, and more. Even more meaningful, I will have the opportunity to represent Canada.

This opportunity is truly once in a lifetime. It aligns perfectly with my long term goals and will help me grow not only as an athlete but also as a person. Competing internationally, learning from new environments, and representing my country are experiences that would shape my future in soccer.

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However, making this dream a reality comes with significant costs. Flights, tournament fees, meals, transportation, and accommodations all add up quickly. I’m doing everything I can to help, from bagging groceries with my teammates, collecting cans and bottles, and participating in team fundraisers, but realistically, it still won’t be enough to cover all the expenses.

That’s why I’m reaching out.

If you’re able to support me—whether through a donation, sharing my story, or cheering me on, I would be incredibly grateful. Every contribution, no matter the amount, brings me one step closer to stepping onto the field in Spain, proudly representing Canada, and continuing the dream I’ve been chasing since I was a little girl.

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What exactly will your donation be used for? Here are the expenses in CAD for the tournament.

• Flights: approx. $1250

• Tournament fees: $300

• Accommodation & Meals: $820

• Transport: $170

The grand total for all expenses is $2540. If this target is reached and surpassed, any extra money will be used to support future soccer activities such as goalie camps in the US or other future tournaments. Rest assured, all donation amounts will go toward reaching my dream.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to read my story and for supporting young athletes like me. Your support truly means the world. ⚽❤️

Please share my story with everyone that you know and post it on your social media accounts. Every dollar counts, and every share helps my story reach one more person who also might be able to help make a difference. ❤️