13 year-old footballer claims 'girls can do what boys can do'

Overview

• A 13-year-old footballer from Crusaders Strikers claimed that the girls can do what boys can
• Her coach, Claire McIlwaine, felt the evolution of the Super Cup NI Tournament in just a year
• Along with them, several other talented and emerging players were interviewed.

Lexi McGuinness, a 13-year-old emerging Football star from Crusaders Strikers, claimed that the girls can do what boys can. Her teammate, Ami Mason, agreed with her and claimed that the quality of Football has gotten better over the years. In the Super Cup NI Tournament, teams like the Strikers got an exposure to play against some of the best teams in the world.

Claire McIlwaine, Crusaders Strikers' coach, pointed out the difference in the quality of the tournament in a matter of just a year. She claimed that the leagues are filled due to many girls wanting to play in the league. She added that the Strikers got to play Scotland's Kilmarnock, America's Surf Select, and Manchester United in the league.

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"You can see a huge difference from last year's Super Cup NI to this year, the leagues are filled. You're seeing so many girls out wanting to play football. We played Surf Select, who are American, we had Kilmarnock from Scotland, and we faced the mighty Manchester United, which was a dream for our girls," Claire McIlwaine said.

"England winning the Euros will help grow women's football as big as the men's," - Emerging Football star

Caoimhe, one of the emerging players from County Donegal, claimed that a lot of girls showed up in the tournament, which was possible due to the support from their parents. Nazaraei, who plays for Brighton, felt it was a nerve-wrecking experience to witness the league and added that England Women winning the Euros could help the growth of their Football as big as the Men's.

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"It's great to have a girls' tournament. It gets us involved in more. There are a lot more girls in it, and it's good to see. There's a lot more girl support as well, thanks to all the parents," Caoimhe said.

"It's exciting and nerve-wrecking seeing the other teams, but I think it's a really good opportunity for all of us. England winning the Euros will help grow women's football as big as the men's," Nazaraei said.

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Nazaraei's teammate Isla claimed that her younger siblings are showing their interest in playing the Beautiful Game. Isla never thought of being an inspiration to younger players. BBC's interview showed the effect of Euros and other women's tournaments at the grassroots levels.

"[They're] saying I want to grow up and be just like you… I would never have thought of myself to be an inspiration to those young children, especially girls," Isla said in the interview.