Kayla O’Connor and Barça Academy Brisbane Technical Director Mr Taher Mortezaie.
Camera IconKayla O’Connor and Barça Academy Brisbane Technical Director Mr Taher Mortezaie. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Atwell soccer trailblazer to compete at FC Barcelona competition

Jessica NicoCockburn Gazette

A YOUNG Atwell soccer player will be a trailblazer for Australia at the inaugural FC Barcelona Academy Asia Pacific Cup in January.

Twelve-year-old Kayla O’Connor impressed selectors at the recent Brisbane FCBEscola Academy, so much so she was the only female chosen for the U13 squad to participate at the international competition, which will be held in India.

The All Saints College student said she was excited to have the opportunity to represent Australia so young and dreams to one day play for the Matildas and the FC Barcelona’s women’s team.

“Playing against other Bara Academies from all over the world is a huge honour,” she said.

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“I love that at the Bara Academy it doesn’t matter whether you’re a boy or a girl, everyone is just a player and gets to develop equally.”

Kayla travels to Brisbane once a month for a week of training with the FCBEscola U13s after she was given a scholarship to the academy in February.