Desert Empire Surf G2010 team gearing up for trip to Northern Ireland for SuperCupNI

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Desert Empire Surf girl's 2010 team is getting ready to head to Northern Ireland. But it's not just any trip, they'll be competing in the prestigious SuperCupNI youth soccer tournament.

"This is our biggest challenge," head coach Hugo Chaparro. " I mean, obviously we're going to go out to Europe, we're going to play against the best clubs in the world. We're playing against Manchester United, Liverpool and no team from Norway. ”

It's a tournament Chaparro said has been growing on the women's side, giving his athletes more visibility and access to a new level of training.

“They're going to be playing against European teams and they're going to be able to compete against themm" Chaparro said. "They're going to be able to see how they prepare. They're going to be able to go one-on-one against those top players."

Chaparro hopes the tournament will serve as an extra morale boost for his athletes. For the players, they haven't even traveled to Northern Ireland yet and they're feeling the new confidence.

“It's such a great opportunity to be on like a global stage," Center back Grace Hess said. "So, personally, I think that this has just given me that extra boost of confidence."

“It opens new like new doors for us and just going there and seeing new people...looking at new teams, different playing styles is very cool," Goalkeeper Mila Rangel said. "And it means a really big impact on us and our team."

One thing that stands out about the G2010 team, is their positivity that radiants from the athletes in everything they do. Head coach, Hess and Rangel all mentioned how this has contributed to their success and they believe it will only continue to make them stronger.

“We never we have never yelled at each other," Hess said. "We are never negative on the field, and we love each other as sisters. So, I think that's what makes us stand out as a team.”

“We're not the team that it's winning every tournament," Chaparro said. "It's not just about that. It's about creating a great culture, and they have helped me emphasize that by keeping that supportive role.” 

Now they plan to carry that same positive attitude to the SuperCupNI, with hopes of continued success.

“We are going to have the best positive mentality out there, and I believe that if we put our minds to it, we can win it all," Hess said. "Even though Desert Empire Surf isn't a big name now, it will be soon and my team will make it happen.”

The team will be at the SuperCupNI July 26-31. You can find more information on how to support the Desert Empire Surf G2010 team HERE.