{"id":49809,"date":"2022-12-06T10:10:19","date_gmt":"2022-12-05T23:10:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cms.star1045.com.au\/?p=49809"},"modified":"2022-12-06T10:15:13","modified_gmt":"2022-12-05T23:15:13","slug":"this-central-coast-teenager-needs-our-help-to-achieve-her-dream","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cms.star1045.com.au\/home\/this-central-coast-teenager-needs-our-help-to-achieve-her-dream\/","title":{"rendered":"This Central Coast Teenager Needs Our Help To Achieve Her Dream"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You read the headline correctly, now it\u2019s the Central Coast\u2019s time to do what we do best and help one local mum get her daughter to the United States for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fifteen-year-old local soccer player Anika Francis has been selected to attend the prestigious IMG Academy following a recent skills showcase and training session at the academy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Based in Florida, IMG Academy has state-of-the-art facilities and is home to some of the best coaches and training facilities in the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"You
The IMG Academy has been the home to the likes of 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams and now, the Central Coast’s own Anika Francis (Image: Australian Sports Foundation)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Not only will the opportunity to attend the IMG Academy help Anika improve her game, but it will also be one step forward for her to one day fulfil her dream of one day playing for the Matildas<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, her journey to IMG Academy begins in January 2023, meaning that Anika, her mother Megan and their family need our help, Central Coast<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the words of Megan herself:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis could be a life changing moment for Anika and as a proud mum, I have to try and help get her there. I will be trying every avenue I can to help her live her dream.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Megan and Anika are currently raising funds via the Australian Sports Foundation website here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The goal is currently $25,000 with just over $5,000 raised at the time of writing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rabbit & Gina spoke to Megan, Anika’s mother this morning on the show about what this opportunity means to Anika. You can listen to the chat here: <\/p>\n\n\n