The U14 Morden Eagles have had a great season filled with wins, laughs and memories, all of which has been cherished by player Lyann Fochtberger, who says this year has been very special.
Before becoming a member of the Eagles, Fochtberger recalls what it was like starting to play soccer. "I started, I think it was two years ago, I started playing in a beginning league, that's where I started. I started to enjoy the sport and I wanted to continue playing soccer. I played there again and I also started to train more. Somehow, I got into the Morden Eagles club."
Even though she started a short time before joining the Eagles, it's not as though Fochtberger was a natural, she says she really put in the work to be better at the sport she loves. "I have to say, I practice a lot, especially in the summer and over the winter, I work on my foot work a lot. I really work to improve on my skills and everything."
Earning her spot with the Eagles has been hard work but also rewarding. "It's been so fun playing there," the 13-year-old says proudly. "We've won everything in the league and it's just really amazing playing with the girls, it's really fun."
Whether it's a team sport or pushing herself, Fochtberger admits to being competitive by nature, "yeah, I'd says so," she adds that this team is pretty close as a group. "We do team building stuff during the practices and we also went to a Valour game. That has helped, we connect more, even during the games. We already kind of know each other and doing that stuff helps us be closer."
Recently at the big Boston Pizza tournament, Fochtberger says the group found another level. "That was such a great experience. There are so many teams playing there and we got to play against the U15 girls and we got into the final. We had a really good game in the final."
That experience was something Fochtberger says has opened her eyes as to what it'll take to get to that next level. "I'd say it was very motivating, showing me what I need to do to keep going and continue doing this."
That next level for Fochtberger could include going to college on a soccer scholarship one day. "I would love to do that. Getting a scholarship would be great but I still have to work hard so I can maybe do that one day. I want to thank my coaches, they've helped me so much. I'm in the club not too long yet but I've learned a lot since I've been in there."
Through it all, Fochtberger says she never feels alone, she's always got her family behind her. "Their support means so much," she says with a heartfelt smile. "They do so much for me. They drive me to games, they support me in many ways. They help me at home, if I'm mentally struggling or whatever, they're there for me and cheering me on."
Safe to say Fochtberger and the entire Morden U14 Eagles team have an entire community cheering them on as they continue through the season.