Adastra girls’ team manager Jess Prelle says she’s been taken by surprise that her side are now one win away from winning a trip to Manchester United next month.
Elena Espinosa’s winner in the semi-final sealed a 1-0 victory against Abu Dhabi Country Club at the weekend and will now face familiar foes Go Pro in the DU Challenge Final on Saturday.
As well as the overall trophy up for grabs, the winners will also travel to north west England next month for three days and not only enjoy a training clinic with the 20-time English Premier League champions but also watch the Red Devils play live at Old Trafford.
For Adastra, part of the IFA Football Academy, not only have they had to beat strong sides but also play against much older players with their squad aged between 13-16 years of age.
“We have a lot of 15 and 16-year-olds and thought we would give it a try (on entering) and I’m pretty astonished we’ve reached this far,” said Prelle.
“I knew we would have a good chance of reaching far but it was only in the semis, that we could actually win the tournament.”
Speaking on the team’s next opponents Go Pro, she said: “We’ve played them a few times and the girls are excited and nervous at the same time. Whoever wins, it will be a good competitive and high quality game of football.”
