I have been playing soccer for almost 6 years and I am about to turn 10 years old. I love playing soccer! This summer was an exciting time for soccer because of the Womens World Cup. It brought a lot of attention to girls playing soccer and we had a team to cheer for. Canada made us proud. I had a chance to train with some of the Canadian National team players. The players were Kadeisha Buchanan, Ashley Lawrence, Melissa Tancredi and Robyn Gayle. We started with warm up drills to warm up our muscles and get us ready for a day of fun. I even got to stand beside Ashley and stretch with her!

Our warm up

After, they broke us up into small groups. I started with Robyn and her “skills school.” She taught us how to do her move. What you do is a roll over then a step over and then you hit the ball from behind and tap it with your left foot. It looks amazing when you do it fast. That move is called “the Robyn Gayle”. She taught us other fast moves that anyone can use when they are playing.

My sister and I with Robyn Gayle

Next, I went with Kadeisha to work on defensive skills. She taught us how to properly jockey and how to poke the ball. I learned a lot from her and it was exciting.

With Kadeisha Buchanan

Ashley Lawrence taught us the importance of staying fit. There is a lot of running in soccer and being able to stay in the game is a big deal. We jumped over hurdles and went between the cones with the ball doing chops, inside/outside, rollovers and other soccer moves.

With Ashley Lawrence

Melissa showed us all about finishing. One of the drills we learned was to go through the ladders, control the ball in the air, push the ball to the side and then shoot it to the far post. We did this drill on the right and left side because she explained that you have to be strong with both feet to be a good soccer player. This was my favourite drill because I love shooting on net. I am a striker.

With Melissa Tancredi

We had lunch with all four of the players. It was a lot of fun to hang out with them. We even had a dance party with Kadeisha. She is a good dancer! After lunch we split up again and played scrimmages. We got to do all the moves and tips we learned in the morning. It was exciting.

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At the end, we had a question and answer period and got to take pictures and get autographs.

It was the most coolest time ever and I am so glad I got the opportunity to meet the all stars that make Canadians proud and to know that womens soccer is a growing sport that I really love. I hope one day I will be able to play on the National team.

My sister and I after our training session!

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