Inverell's Jess Bills will live out a dream of hers in July as she heads to Canberra for Australia's largest international youth football tournament, the Kanga Cup.
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The budding, 15-year-old athlete has been training hard with the New England Colts after being chosen for the squad last season.
Struck with illness during trials last year, Bills thought her opportunity to make the representative side was over, however she was mistaken.
"She played Saturday soccer last season and she must have made an impression on some of the selectors because even though she couldn't trial, she received an email invitation to join the New England side," her Mum said.
Kanga Cup could mean anything from getting experience to making an Australian team.
- Jess Bills.
The 15/16 year development squad trains in Tamworth every second Sunday. With indoor soccer commitments and Saturday sport Bills has only one day off a week.
The determination and passion boils down to reaching her ultimate goal- to one day represent Australia as part of the Matildas.
Last month the Colts competed in a trial match against Western Division in Tamworth and although they did not triumph, Bills said it was a good experience.
"The other team had been playing together for years, we'd just been put together but we did well I thought."
The trial was an opportunity for the Colts to prepare for the week-long Kanga Cup held from July 7-12.
As part of the trip Bills will have to pay her own way to Canberra. The local girl has asked for community support.
When asked what it would mean if people donated to help her she responded "it shows I have support behind a dream and it's not all about the boys; girl power."
As a left forward, Bills represents her town as part of the Inverell FC girls team and plays Bill Turner Cup and Trophy for Inverell High School.
Prior to playing in July, Bills will participate in carnivals at Coffs Harbour, Port Macquarie and Newcastle.
"For me, soccer just helps take my mind off everything else; takes me away from real life for a little bit. Kanga Cup could mean anything from getting experience to making an Australian team."