Skryne teen chasing her dream in sunny Malaga
SOCCER
Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, a 17-year-old rising star from Skryne, is making waves in the world of football as an academy player at Malaga City Football Club in Spain.
It's in that picturesque location where many Irish people go for holidays and its where trailblazer Elizabeth is taking her first steps towards achieving her dream of becoming a professional soccer player.
Elizabeth's journey began in her homeplace of Skryne, where she played Gaelic football and showcased extraordinary talent under the guidance of her coach, Trevor Giles, the All-Ireland winning star. Giles described her as "one of the best players on her team," highlighting her dedication and skill on the pitch.
In her transition year at secondary school Elizabeth enrolled in the DBS Fast-Track Programme, a Football Association of Ireland initiative designed for boys and girls aspiring to embark on professional football careers.
This experience not only honed her technical abilities but also prepared her for the disciplined lifestyle of a professional athlete.
Now a part of Malaga City's prestigious academy, Elizabeth is training with a club closely connected to Tottenham Hotspur (Spurs) and Lyon FC - a powerhouse of women's soccer, boasting an unparalleled 15 Champions League titles. She is one of the youngest players in the academy which contains a sizeable percentage of American players where soccer is a big deal indeed.
Her rigorous daily schedule includes intensive training sessions, nutritional planning, and a focus on fitness and health, giving her first hand experience of what it takes to excel at the highest level.
Football excellence runs in her blood. Her grandfather, Jimmy Swan, was a prominent player for Skryne in the Meath SFC in the 1950s, and her brother, Daniel Fitzpatrick, represented the Skryne team in 2024.
Elizabeth's determination and work ethic are evident as she immerses herself in professional football culture.
"The opportunity to train at Malaga City has been incredible. Every day, I learn more about the physical and mental demands of this sport. My dream is to make it as a professional soccer player," she added.
Elizabeth's journey is an inspiration for young athletes in Skryne and beyond, proving that with talent, hard work, and determination, the sky really is the limit.