US trip still open for soccer girls

THE success of Australia’s women’s soccer team the Matildas at last year’s World Cup has inspired female soccer players across the country.
Now young women in the City of Casey have the opportunity to travel to the James B Connolly Games in Springfield, Ohio, US, in June.
Along with a boys basketball team, the City of Casey is sending a soccer team of Year 10, 11 and 12 girls to compete in the games and there are still places available for interested girls to join the trip of a lifetime.
Casey mayor Janet Halsall said: “The James B Connolly Games is an important sporting and cultural exchange program with our sister city, Springfield Ohio.
“This is a chance for young female soccer players to travel to the United States and play their sport, as well as experience life with an American family.”
The James B Connolly Games follow on from the successful Edwin Flack Games hosted by the City of Casey in 2006.
“It is an opportunity for young sports people to experience another culture while playing a sport they love,” she said.
To be eligible to compete in the soccer team, competitors need to be amateur athletes who live in the City of Casey or play for a Casey-based sporting team, and be aged between 16 and 18.
Athletes would need to be available for the exchange from 28 June to 15 July.
Participation costs for each player will be about $4000, with players self-funding as well as fundraising and also seeking sponsors to cover the costs.
If you are interested in joining the team, contact Casey officer Kristin Sweeney on 9705 5200 or email ksweeney@casey.vic.gov.au.