Help me fufill my dream
Leilanni Nesbeth is already a ten-year-old football star in Bermuda, going head to head with the boys.Now, she is hoping to put her skills to the test in the US, joining the Bermuda Brazilian Football School to take part in the Disney World Cup, and she is hoping the public will help her fulfill her dream by helping her raise $2,500.“I’ve been raising money by selling raffle tickets, punch cards, packing groceries and asking for donations,” Leilanni said this week. “I really like football. It’s something I want to do for the rest of my life.“I really want to go to the Disney World Cup because it would be my first opportunity to travel with the Bermuda Brazilian Football School, and I’m very proud that I have a chance to do this.”Since she first tried her hand at football at five years old, Leilanni has made a notable mark.The St David’s Primary honour roll student is the only girl to play in the Primary School’s Boy’s Football Tournament, and taken home the title of MVP.Her grandmother, Ann Williams, said: “She loves the game. She’s been playing since she was five and this would be her first opportunity to travel with the Brazilian team.“Last year they went to Europe, and from what I was told it was just an incredible experience for everyone.“To go to the Disney World Cup and just to play would be a huge step for her.”Given the youngster’s success in Bermuda, Mrs Williams said she was confident Leilanni could find a career in football, if she is given the right opportunity.Cal Blankendal, Executive Director for the Bermuda Brazilian Football School, said he is eager to have Leilanni saying: “From everything I’ve seen, I believe she is definitely one of the best players in her age group.”Those who are interested in making a donation or buying a raffle ticket are asked to e-mail Ms Williams at annelizabethw@yahoo.com.