LIVERPOOL DREAM FOR JAMILLA
SOUTHERN Cross University Football Club has scored a major goal with one of its players being chosen to train with a Liverpool FC side.
Jamilla Rankin, 14, who plays for Southern Cross University in the Football Gold Coast Junior Premier League competition, joined the Liverpool Ladies FC’s under 15s team in the UK for two weeks in December.
The chance came about through a unique collaboration between Southern Cross University and the famous Liverpool Football Club, which created Australia’s first full-time Liverpool Academy program.
Last season the talented Northern NSW junior player was a part of Southern Cross University 14s, who won the Gold Coast Junior Premier League minor premiership.
Liverpool FC International Academy general manager Scott Collis says he hoped Jamilla’s selection would send a “strong signal”.
“It’s about how we provide players with the best opportunities to develop, just as Southern Cross University offers to all its students,” he said.
Jamilla said the opportunity was one that she had only ever dreamt about.
“It’s a real honour to be able to fulfil my dream of training with a Liverpool club side, and to learn while experiencing a full-time professional football club’s program,” she said.
“I play in centre and defence and I’m excited to be on a pathway towards playing elite professional football.”
James Gow, Liverpool FC International Academy technical director, facilitated the opportunity for Jamilla to test herself alongside girls in the UK, who are also on a pathway towards elite professional football.
“Jamilla is a great role model for all young female players in the region,” Mr Gow said. “I am extremely proud that we were able to send Jamilla to the UK to train in the club’s female set-up.
“Jamilla has demonstrated real commitment ever since joining our program in Australia. She has excelled and developed exponentially in that time.
“Jamilla is extremely ambitious and has set a wonderful benchmark for all of our academy players.
“The whole of the academy is delighted she got such an opportunity ... she did us proud while representing the academy in the UK.”