Sport has become a powerful connector for 11-year-old St Paul’s student Sofia Terry, who has been selected to travel to Barcelona next March to train and play at the FC Barcelona Academy.
The prestigious, invitation-only programme is a standout achievement, made even more meaningful by the fact Sofia has autism, dyslexia and ADHD. She trialled for the academy in Christchurch last month and was over the moon when she learned she had made the cut.
“It was awesome. They picked players for the trip based on FC Barca’s five values – respect, effort, ambition, teamwork and humility.”
Football is Sofia’s passion. She has played for Suburbs FC for the past five years, and her mum Hayley says it has been transformative for her daughter.
“Football is her special interest, and she has truly flourished through the sport. Football has given her confidence, focus, and a strong sense of belonging, and this next opportunity represents a major step forward in her development both on and off the field.”
For Sofia, football is more than just kicking a ball.
“When I’m playing football, I feel like I can just be myself. I don’t have to worry about anything else or focus on anything except being a good player and good teammate.”
Suburbs Academy coach Garry Hammond is a big fan of his young winger.
“Sofia is a fantastic person to have in the squad – she is a lot of fun and is highly respected by everyone in the squad. She is always looking to improve her skills and will ask me what she could do better. When she gets down to business, she is the most focused, determined player in the group; give her a challenge or target to go for and she puts everything into it.”
Fundraising for the trip is already well underway. Multiple Nelson Tasman businesses have stepped up to support her, and Sofia has also received a Cookie Time Young Talent Grant. The family has been running community events including quiz nights, jump-in days at the local trampoline park, and an evening at the Playhouse on 1 May.
All proceeds go towards helping Sofia get to Spain, where she is eager to test her skills against top young players from around the world.
“I also want to learn everything I can about what it means to be a footballer. I want to do this when I get older so the more I can learn the better.”
