Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Mia Kops transfer to Anfield
BY
LINFIELD midfielder and Northern Ireland U17 international Mia Moore has earned a dream move to Liverpool.
The 15-year-old from Bangor impressed Liverpool scouts during a 13-day trial at their academy.
Initially trying out for the U16s, Mia caught the eye of the coaching staff with a classy display against Shelbourne in a friendly and was promoted to train with the U21s.
Mia, a Liverpool fanatic, said: “I can’t believe it, it’s amazing. I went over for the U16s and was asked to train with the U-21s.
“It was so much faster and the girls were stronger - but that made it so much more enjoyable.
“It felt like my kind of training.
“At the end of the trial, the U16 coaches said they were really impressed with my trials and the U21 coach was also impressed when I trained with them.
“The U21 coach said they had an opening for a centre midfielder for next season and would like to offer it to me.
“I think my mum was more excited than me! Especially as we saw Steven Gerrard (inset) at the Academy after training.”
Liverpool offer an education programme to their rising stars and Mia, studying for her GCSES at Bangor Academy, will study Sports Science alongside her training.
The Linfield youngster will have to wait until she finishes school to formally sign and was given a hero’s welcome on her return.
She said: “My teachers said it was brilliant and one of them even hugged me!
“My coaches from Linfield congratulated me and said ‘you’re alright you Liverpudlian’.
“I just can’t wait to get started.”