Emily’s love for football

SIMMONS BEATS CHALLENGES TO ATTEND TRIALS

FOR 18-year-old Emily Simmons, being part of the national under-19 girl’s trials is a dream come true.

The opportunity has become more special for her as she has a mild Symbrachydactyly condition, which is the underdevelopment of one of her hands.

Emily is the grand-daughter of current Labasa women’s coach Arthur Simmons.

She is part of the 38-member squad preparing for the OFC U19 Women’s Championship to be held in Fiji next year.

The winner of the tournament will get the only qualification spot for the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) representative at the FIFA U20 Women’s World Championship.

She said she had a dream to wear the national jumper one day.

“I am just hoping that one day I will get to represent the Fiji team. It has always been my dream. And especially with me being a little different from others, it will mean so much to me,” she said.

She added the support from her teammates and family members had been immense.

“They never make me feel that I am different. I am always thankful for the support and love they have given me.”

Simmons completed her Year 13 studies at Labasa College this year and wants to pursue a career in nursing at the nursing school in Labasa next year.

She said it was a tough ask getting approval from her mother to attend the trials.

“The notice for this camp came at really short notice. My dad was OK but mum said to concentrate on studies for now. I could only cry because I really wanted to attend it. Finally she agreed and I came to attend the camp in Suva.”

She thanked her former coach Ronil Ram for the inspiration he gave her to continue playing football.

She says she is hopeful of making the final squad and will give her best shot at training.

The first trials come to an end tomorrow and the girls will be released to spend the festive season with their families.

Meanwhile, New Zealand has made a clean sweep of Oceania Football Confederation U19 Championship titles from 2010.

Fiji’s best finish was at the 2019 tournament when we finished second.

The Fijians bowed out in the group stages at the 2019 tournament.

The other teams to look out for will be Papua New Guinea, Tahiti, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia.