Kerstina Adams of Langford will be stepping out onto the world’s largest stage in women’s soccer July 5 in Vancouver.
The nine-year-old Juan de Fuca under-10 girls division player was one of 22 Lower Island Soccer Association members chosen to serve as pre-game player escorts for teams competing in the FIFA Women’s World Cup championship final at B.C. Place Stadium.
Kerstina says her upcoming role will be “very, very exciting.” She also has high hopes for her favourite team at the tournament, which is currently in its second week of play.
“I think Canada’s going to be in the finals and I think they’re going to win,” she says with enthusiasm.
She also has a favourite player, Canadian forward Adriana Leon, who Kerstina says is good at dribbling and getting past opponents.
The Willway elementary student is pretty clear on her duties during the big game. After going hand-in-hand with a player onto the field before the game, she says, “we get taken to a seat, we get free food and at half time go out with the players again. Then at the end of the game we get a track suit and a bag and some cards,” on which she hopes to get a bunch of autographs.
Kerstina’s dad, Tyler Adams, says the family was surprised when her name was drawn to represent the association, but they’re thrilled to share in her excitement about her upcoming duties.
“She knows the importance of it and she’s super excited,” Tyler says.
Kerstina’s family, also including mom Jennifer and older brother Joseph, 10 and also a soccer player, have been watching as many of the World Cup matches as possible, Tyler says, but especially those involving Team Canada.
Kerstina is the lone Juan de Fuca representative among the group.
Other Lower Island player escorts were selected by draw from the Bays United, Cowichan Valley, Gorge, Lakehill, Peninsula, Prospect Lake, Saanich Fusion, Salt Spring and Sooke youth soccer associations.
editor@goldstreamgazette.com