A Chatham-Kent footballer is set to compete in the 2025 U18 Women’s Tackle National Championship.
Paisley Fraleigh is one of 25 girls chosen to represent Team Ontario.
She made the cut after taking part in multiple tryouts in Waterloo and York.
Fraleigh told CK News Today she was at home working on a history essay when she found out she had made the team.
"I saw the notification on my phone and I just started crying, I was so happy. I never thought something like this would happen to me," she said.
Fraleigh was chosen to play on the defense, lining up as both a linebacker and defensive back. She mentioned she loves playing defense because of the hitting.
"I'm a quarterback also, so being able to read the offense and like hitting... it's just awesome," she laughed.
The championship is being held in Calgary. This will be the first time Fraleigh has left Ontario.
She is hoping her time at the tournament will inspire other girls across Chatham-Kent to take up the sport.
"I know a lot of girls in this community want to play football and don't know that they can, so being able to represent not only them but our community at the national stage is a really great honour," added Fraleigh.
The tournament is scheduled for July 20-26. Team Ontario will compete against teams from Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Quebec, as well as a National Indigenous Team.
The Fraleigh family is also looking for some financial supporters to help offset the cost of the trip. Any sponsors who may be interested should contact Josh Fraleigh at 519-365-4431.