A teenage footballer from Milton Keynes has jetted off to Serbia to play in an international tournament, months after joining MK Dons Community Trust’s girls pathway programme.
Ivy Verleacke-Williams flew to mainland Europe on Saturday to represent Wales in the UEFA Development Tournament, where she’ll face teams including Israel, Georgia and Serbia.
It comes less than a year after the 14-year-old midfielder linked up with MK Dons Community Trust – the football club’s official charity – and its girls football pathway to take her skills to the next level, grow confidence and build valuable industry contacts.
The programme engages more than 300 girls living in Milton Keynes and the city’s surrounds and works with football-mad youngsters aged seven and upwards.
Ivy’s international call-up is the latest milestone for the Trust’s player pathway programmes, with two other players going on to represent England at youth level in recent years.
She said having the opportunity to play football internationally during the school holidays is not something she expected to happen when joining the Trust’s girls pathway.
Ivy said:
“This is an incredible opportunity.
“I joined a three-day training camp with Wales at the beginning of the holidays and loved meeting everyone and being exposed to training on an international level.
“I’m looking forward to learning from the coaches, playing with new teammates and creating special memories.
“MK Dons Community Trust has played a huge role in my development.
“I’m incredibly grateful to all the coaches who have supported me to reach a point where I can represent Wales and the MK Dons badge at an international tournament.”
After landing on Saturday, the Welsh squad will play its first fixture on August 26th against Israel before playing Georgia on Friday, August 28, and Serbia on Sunday, August 30.
Dene Walsh, Head of Community Football at MK Dons Community Trust, added:
“Everyone at the club is incredibly proud of Ivy, and this call-up is thoroughly deserved.
“Since joining the academy, she has shown a fantastic attitude, a willingness to learn and a determination to improve every aspect of her game.
“At MK Dons Community Trust, we are passionate about creating opportunities for young players to fulfil their potential, and Ivy’s selection is another example of what can be achieved through the girls pathway.
“We all wish Ivy the very best for the tournament, and we look forward to following her progress in Serbia.”
Further information about MK Dons Community Trust and the charity’s girls pathway programmes is available online via: www.mkdonsset.com/girls-
