Barcelona dream becomes a reality for talented young footballer Yazmin Doherty

Yahoo

15 hours ago

For many young footballers the chance to be coached the Barcelona way would be a dream come true.
For eight-year-old Yazmin Doherty that dream has become a reality after being invited to link up with the Barça Academy for a week-long academy experience.
The Foyle Girls FC midfielder, whose favourites players are Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes, is "smashing it" out in Spain with her dad Gerard telling Belfast Live it is a "massive opportunity" in terms of Yazmin's development.
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"Yazmin has been on the radar of a few clubs recently," explained Gerard. "We were approached by Barça Academy about the opportunity to take part in a week-long academy experience, and it was a no-brainer to say yes.
"It's an incredible chance for her to learn, grow, and showcase her talent with one of the best clubs in the world.
"It's a full week of top-level training with FC Barcelona academy coaches five days of learning the Barça way, developing both attacking and defensive skills, and being challenged in an elite academy environment.
"She's absolutely smashing it. Yazmin has taken to it like a duck to water adapting to the heat, the intensity, and the high level of skill with ease. The academy director and head coach have been really impressed with her performances and ability.
"The coaches are incredibly talented from the way they run the drills to how they communicate and teach the game. It's a brilliant experience and a massive opportunity for her development as a young footballer."
The Derry youngster has been playing since the age of five and her love of football has continued to grow as the girls' and women's flourishes.
"From the moment she first kicked a ball, her passion for the game has only grown stronger," said Gerard.
"Yazmin's a quick, dynamic player who is comfortable on the ball, confident with both feet, and always looking to create and drive play forward.
"She plays for Foyle Girls FC in Derry, a great club dedicated to the female side of the game.
"The growth of female football has been incredible. The standard, skill, and visibility of the game are rising every year, and it's brilliant to see young girls like Yazmin being part of that journey."