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PUMP
The Samford Progress Association’s free community newspaper printed continuously since 1977.
The ILLAGE
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“Your Community Newspaper, owned by the Samford Community and produced for the benefit of the Samford Community.” 24 NOVEMBER, 2023 P: 0477 663 696
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ANOTHER WIN FOR THE RANGERS Sixteen-year-old Molly Carter has scored an off-field goal for the Samford Rangers, winning Football Queensland’s Community Athlete with a Disability Award. The awards acknowledged the contributions of players, coaches, referees, volunteers and clubs state-wide. Diagnosed with ASD and dyspraxia, Molly has been a long-standing club member, and was selected to play in Samford Rangers’ FQPL Women U23 team this year after her strong performance in the Under 15 Division 1 side in 2022. She was incredibly proud and excited to win the highly competitive award. “I don’t think about my differences when I play soccer I just play the game the best way I can. On the night it felt unreal to win and go up on stage and collect the award,” Molly said. M o l l y ’ s experience at her club has been overwhelmingly positive since she
started playing at the age of seven. “I love the people at Rangers. Everyone is important, no matter their age. People are kind and friendly. It’s easy to make friends because we all have one thing in common: we love playing soccer,” she said. Danny Carney, Molly’s U23 coach and Samford Rangers’ Director of Women’s Football, says Molly is someone that each of her teammates can learn from and rely on. She works incredibly hard in every game and training session and makes ongoing improvements on the field. “I am very proud of Molly’s achievements on and off the field. Her efforts, resilience and determination became the standard for the rest of the team to follow,” Danny said. “Not only did Molly’s skills improve over the season, so did her determination to win, so much so, she was the first to volunteer to play as goal keeper when our regular keeper was injured,” he said.
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“The highlight of the year came when she scored her first goal, late in the season. (pictured) The celebration and tears from her teammates (and me) was something that I will never forget.” In turn, Molly has been grateful for the opportunities both her coaches and the club have afforded her. “My coaches have been great teachers and have believed in me and always encouraged me. I’ve made new friends and travelled with my teammates and I’m more confident and willing to give new things a go because of soccer,” she said. Molly’s latest achievement has only solidified her determination to keep putting her best foot forward for the Rangers. “I’d like to think I will always be playing soccer at some level, like the ladies who were in my team this year. I will stay involved and keep helping at the Rangers. I am looking forward to playing at higher levels and improving my skills.” Congratulations Molly for this outstanding achievement and for continuing to motivate others both on and off the field. Tanya Hall