Young Carrick-on-Suir soccer player scored nine goals for Ireland in Spanish tournament

A talented young Carrick-on-Suir soccer player competed for Ireland in an international tournament in Barcelona in Spain last month.

Piltown AFC player Aoibhinn Stuart was a member of the Irish Under 12 girls team that competed in the Barcelona Experience youth tournament in early November.

The Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire student has been a member of Waterford Schoolgirls Development Squad for the last two years and was selected for the Irish team for this international competition after taking part in trials in Dublin.

It was a thrilling fast paced soccer experience for the young striker, which spanned over two days.

Aoibhinn scored eight goals and one penalty goal in the seven matches Ireland played against teams from England, Scotland, Cork, East Ireland, and Northern Ireland. They beat Scotland, Cork and England, drew with Northern Ireland and were beaten by county Down in the final. All the team’s members were presented with medals.

Aoibhinn trains four times a week with Piltown AFC and Waterford Schoolgirls Development Squad with matches played at the weekend.

Her dream is to play professionally for Ireland and her recent achievements in the Barcelona Experience tournament have indeed laid down the foundations of a potential soccer career ahead.

“This was a fantastic experience and opportunity to play against brilliant players with great talent from other countries,” said Aoibhinn adding that it was “challenging”.

She advised any young girls interested in soccer “to work hard at training in their clubs and to remain focussed and determined”.

She made many new friends at the tournament with Irish teammates and with players from other countries.

The sixth class student has always received great support and encouragement at Gaelscoil Charraig na Siúire. The school accommodates her in the boys team in her class of 12 boys and 2 girls. She also receives huge support from Piltown AFC and the Waterford Schoolgirls Development Squad.

She volunteers her time with the Ladies Walking Soccer Group which meets on Tuesdays at Carrick Davins GAA Club. Aoibhinn helps train the group teaching them key soccer skills.

Aoibhinn avidly follows women’s soccer and travels with her parents Alan and Samantha Stuart to the seasonal matches played in Tallaght Stadium, Dublin.

Her favourite team is Manchester United and her favourite players include Irish Women’s Soccer team captain and Arsenal player Katie McCabe, Barcelona and Spanish national team player Lamine Yamal and her cousin Lee Grace from Carrick-on-Suir, who plays with Shamrock Rovers.