The Football Association, with the support of Manchester City and Birmingham City, has helped one lucky fan’s dream come true ahead of this weekend’s SSE Women’s FA Cup Final.
Danielle Older, 11, who suffers from Cystic Fibrosis, revealed her desire to be a professional footballer as part of The FA’s Make Dreams Goals competition.
Following hundreds of entries, The FA gave Danielle a taste of what it’s like to be a professional footballer alongside her idols as she took to the pitch with Manchester City captain Steph Houghton, ahead of the Citizens’ Spring Series clash with Blues on Wednesday 3 May, a rehearsal of Saturday’s SSE Women’s FA Cup Final.
Older met all the players, received a personalised kit from both clubs and even took part in a penalty shootout at half-time.
The FA’s Make Dreams Goals competition was launched in March to inspire young football fans to believe they can achieve their footballing dreams, with the aim of making a number of young fans’ dreams come true.
Danielle’s mum, Kelly, said: “Danielle’s life is playing football.
“She’s someone that won’t let anything hold her back and even though she has Cystic Fibrosis this does not stop her from being like any other child. Danielle is always first on the pitch and last off.
“The FA’s support in providing this experience really helped grow Danielle’s confidence.”
Lucy Roberts-Hartley, The FA’s senior brand manager, added: “We are delighted that we could work with both of our SSE Women’s FA Cup Finalists to help make Danielle’s dream a reality.
“It’s great to see how playing football has improved Danielle’s life. It shows the power of football and I hope her story inspires others to play the game.”
The FA’s Make Dreams Goals competition will also see a number of additional young fans’ dreams turned to reality in front of a record crowd at Saturday’s SSE Women’s FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium connected by EE.
