Talented player dreams of new heights
RANDPARK RIDGE – Young striker has world at her feet
Bantwana College Football Club has a one of a kind striker, with a keen eye for goal and maturity that belies her youth.
At just 13, Caitlin Eastwood is the main striker for her club and the pressure leading the attack has only fuelled her fire of pursuing her goals.
“I dream of playing for Banyana Banyana and perhaps play overseas and experience playing soccer there,” said Caitlin.
“I started playing soccer at five years old with boys because it helps relieve the stress I have from school. I also like being on the field because my teammates are like my family and soccer to me is what I enjoy the most. Soccer is a game that you must enjoy and have patience.”
Caitlin is in Grade 8 and she has been working hard trying to balance her schoolwork and soccer-practice session.
“I love both my schoolwork and soccer. My favourite team that I support is FC Barcelona, they are a good team and play one-touch football and not dribble as much. I am enjoying the current Soccer World Cup but also find it frustrating because of the penalties which lead to 1–0 scorelines,” said Caitlin.
The 13-year-old wants to increase the awareness of women’s soccer in the community and attract more girls to join soccer teams.
“Most boys are surprised that I play soccer because they are not exposed to a lot of girls interested in the sport. I want to encourage more girls to start playing soccer and not listen to what people say about it. I enjoy soccer and I know in order to reach the top heights, I must trust myself and my coach.”
With her team Bantwana College Football Club inching closer to the top of the Rand Central Local Football Association’s girls’ winter league, Caitlin is confident in her teammates’ ability to finish the season in an admirable position.
“Ï am the youngest but I rule them all,” she jokes. “It is very nice and I enjoy being the youngest but I have learned so much from my coach, Theo Buttress, and the rest of my teammates. They have taught me how to communicate and I can open up to them now. ”
ALSO READ: https://www.citizen.co.za/randburg-sun/344474/the-last-defence-for-bantwana-college/
