Mali, aged 9, has been attending Cardiff City Soccer Schools during the school holidays for a number of years. Despite only starting to play football two years ago, she has quickly developed both a love for and talent in the game, growing into a courageous and determined young player on the pitch.

When school breaks up, Cardiff City Soccer Schools is a no-brainer for Mali's parents. It has become the ideal environment for her to develop both technically and personally, leading to exciting opportunities such as representing Cardiff Met Academy and, most recently, being selected for the Wales Regional Under-10s squad.

Cardiff City Soccer Schools give young Bluebirds the chance to stay active, build confidence and develop their skills in a fun, supportive environment.

Mali originally wanted to attend the Community Foundation sessions to improve and develop her skills, both on and off the pitch. She wanted to prove to herself, and to boys her age, that she could play too, and play well. This has never been a barrier for Mali. If anything, it has made her confidence soar.

Community Foundation coaches have played an important role in Mali's development, providing additional training alongside her grassroots commitments. Spending more time on the ball during the holidays has allowed Mali to socialise with new players and step outside of her comfort zone.

At Cardiff City Soccer Schools, coaches have noticed a significant improvement in her tackling, understanding of team dynamics and overall confidence. This has only translated in the way she plays every time she attends a session.

These sessions have also had a personal impact on Mali. Her mum has noticed that she is more willing to try new things and is happier, developing a real sense of pride in everything she digs her heels into. Football has given her something she loves, but it has also given her resilience, friendships, goals to work towards, and the belief that if she puts her mind to something, she can achieve anything.

Cardiff City FC Community Foundation is incredibly proud of Mali's football achievements already. She currently plays within the Cardiff Met Girls U11s pathway and, earlier this year, was selected for the FAW South Wales U10 Regional Squad.

With ambitions of representing the Wales national team one day, Mali is already well on her way to achieving her dreams.

To recognise Mali's drive, ambition and commitment at Cardiff City Soccer Schools, our coaches selected her as the Community Foundation mascot for the Birmingham City fixture on 24th October, giving her the opportunity to walk out alongside the Cardiff City Men's first team.

Cardiff City FC Community Foundation is incredibly proud of everything Mali has achieved so far, and we look forward to welcoming her back during the October half term to hear all about her well-deserved mascot experience.

Rhian Linney, Mali's mum, said:

"We first noticed a huge difference in her ability after the first summer she spent at Cardiff City Soccer Schools, the improvement was huge! Her ball control, passing and general skills have improved massively. It’s been lovely as parents to watch that progression over time.

We want her to grow up believing that she can participate in whatever sport she enjoys and that she deserves to be there. That's what Cardiff City FC Community Foundation does."