EXCITED: Te Kuiti Primary School’s Mya Needham is off to Spain next year as part of a football camp. PHOTO SUPPLIED
TE Kuiti’s Mya Needham vows to do her grandad proud. The talented footballer made her late grandad, who passed away with cancer, a promise that she has every intention of fulfilling. Mya loves football and hopes to one-day be playing professionally. “I told my grandad that I would be a professional footballer, so that is my goal in his honour.” “He loved watching me play football so I want to do the best I can for him and make him proud.” OUTSTANDING Mya, an outstanding midfielder or striker, grew up around a football and after a few seasons off, has picked up where she left off. “Dad used to play, so I just picked it up off him at home and at his games.” “I did dancing for a few years but am back playing football now.” She attended a sports camp earlier this year and was spotted by Soccer Plus director Kim Beal, who then selected Mya to part of the Valencia CF Football Experience next March. “I am so excited. “I can’t wait to go over there and do heaps of training and play lots of games. “It’s not something I ever thought I would get offered to me, so it’s really cool I am getting that chance. “It’s a dream come true, this experience.” This year Mya played in a Galaxy all-girls football team, who won their division and showed a number of boys how to play football, while she has also played for her school. ENJOYABLE “It was really enjoyable. I just love playing football.” Her trip away is about two-and-a-half weeks and she’s hoping they may attend a football game or two while over there. “Hopefully we can watch a football game. I would really like to.” Next year she’s off to Te Awamutu College and hopes to continue playing soccer there. “I just want to play as much football as I can and keep improving.” Mum Niki was incredibly proud of her daughter and her achievements. “Mya is a very good footballer. “She works super hard at it though and always wants to get better. She loves playing alongside her peers.” Needham said her daughter was a top dancer for several years before giving football another go. THRIVING “She wanted to get back into her football and she has and is now thriving.” “There will be scouts in Spain and that’s exciting for Mya because if she does well it could provide other opportunities.” Mya’s favourite football teams are the American women’s side, Portugal and Manchester City, teams she one day love to see live, while her favourite player is Cristiano Ronaldo. Dad Sam hopes to attend from the start, while Niki and Ruby, Mya’s sister hope to meet them over there. “We’re hoping to sneak over there and see her. “It’s a pretty special opportunity.”
