By Lena Daskalakis
The Spring Hills FC girls’ under 17s soccer team from Caroline Springs, recently competed in the Albion Las Vegas Memorial Cup in the USA. Traveling to Las Vegas to compete against international teams, the girls showcased their skills and spirit, finishing an impressive third out of nine teams. The excitement of playing in another country was palpable among the team members.
Team captain Ellie Edwards reflected on the experience saying “I’m super proud of the effort the girls put into the tournament. Coming from a Melbourne winter to play in 35-degree desert heat and dry winds, while also being jet-lagged, really showed our resilience. Training with the local team was a great experience – we learnt a different style of soccer, formed great friendships and made lots of memories. A big thanks to our coach Tom Markovski, assistant coach Luis Martin and all the parents for their support!”
Jessica, a team mum who accompanied the girls, shared her thoughts. “I was excited and nervous for them at the same time. But they went out and played with everything they had, just like it was just another day in the western suburbs.”
Coach Tom Markovski expressed immense pride in the team’s performance. “We wanted to test ourselves against the best under-16 girls even though we are aged from 13–16 with only 3 being 16. The girls did their very best,” he remarked. “I couldn’t be prouder of their hard work and dedication.”
Among all the standout players was Molly Farquharson, who scored a winning goal. “I was on pure adrenaline,” she said. “My family was cheering from home while I was playing in Las Vegas. It was an unreal experience!”
Although the players were not allowed into the casinos, they found plenty of other activities to enjoy in the vibrant city. “There was so much to do in Vegas, and being there as a team will be something I will always remember and be so grateful for,” said Addison Gatt, the youngest player of the squad at 13.
This memorable trip was only made possible through support from the Spring Hills club, and generous supporters such as The Fit Station in Caroline Springs and Victorian Trailers in Thomastown, who helped the squad fundraise to support their journey.
This experience has added an international feather to the team’s cap and as the girls return home, the local community eagerly looks forward to more triumphant moments. Go Stallions!
