Schoolgirl stoked at soccer shot

A GOLD Coast schoolgirl has kick-started her dreams of international soccer stardom by landing a deal with English club Stoke City.

Lilly Rae has been contracted to play to play for the Potters at under-14 girls level after attracting the attention of scouts from a number of topline clubs including Manchester giants United and City.

In the end Lilly (pictured) opted for a contract with Stoke where she will start the season next month playing in a second-tier regional talent program competition.

“Lilly is loving it over there at the moment, even if it has been a bit hard,” her father Jason said.

“She was born in Warrington and is living there with her grandparents.”

The Raes moved to the Gold Coast from the northwest of England in 2012 when Lilly attended Park Lake State School. From there it was on to Helensvale State High while she played for the Pacific Pines Soccer Club.

Then it was on to the NPL Queensland girls’ under 14 competition where last year the striker’s talent emerged when she scored 54 goals playing with Souths United.

That effort prompted interest from overseas clubs and Lilly’s first trial was at Everton.

After that she had trials at Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Blackburn and then Stoke City.

“Manchester United offered a development contract which meant Lilly would train with the team but go out on loan,” Jason explained.

“It got down to four girls out of 150 at United and they signed just the one and offered three development contracts to the other three.

“But now she has a contract with Stoke City.

“Lilly likes the intensity of training and what the way the coaches push them to their absolute limits.

“But she dislikes having to miss birthdays back at home with family and friends.”