Reagan MacKenzie will be heading to Brazil to compete in the Danone Nations Cup this fall, a soccer competition for athletes between 10 and 12 years old.
The Coquitlam player's Team West emerged victorious in a 3-1 win over Team East at the Canadian Selection Team finals in Montreal last week, punching their ticket to Sao Paulo.
"I can't even imagine representing my country in the Danone Nations Cup," she said. "They love soccer in Brazil."
MacKenzie, a Montgomery middle student, tried out for the team six months ago and said she was excited when she made the team, which is made up of Albertan and British Columbian players.
Team West fell behind early in Montreal, with eastern kicker Antony Vilsaint scored the first goal 28 seconds into the match.
However, MacKenzie's squad was able to tie things up later in the game and forced overtime, where the team punched in two more goals for the win.
Before heading to South America this fall, the 11-year-old athlete will take part in a three-day training camp in Quebec with head coach Dean Howie. He said the camp will be an opportunity for the players to get ready to take on some of the top soccer talent in the world.
"These young athletes will have an opportunity to play where the top professionals have played," he said. "This is an experience they will remember for the rest of their lives."
