Swansea 8-year-old to compete in premier youth soccer tournament

SWANSEA — Emily Marques fell in love with soccer at the an early age.

She loved to run in the field and use her feet to the best of her abilities. Win or lose, the enthusiastic 8‑year‑old soccer player believes in continuing to push and give her best effort.

Now the Swansea native is being rewarded for her hard word and dedication.

Marques has been invited to compete in the Premier SuperCopa — an invitation‑only, elite youth soccer tournament — taking place June 18-21 in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.

Eight‑year‑old soccer player Emily Marques. The Swansea resident has been invited to compete in the Premier SuperCopa in June.

Premier SuperCopa brings together top U9-U12 boys and girls teams from across the United States, giving young players the chance to compete against elite teams from around the country.

Marques, who goes by the nickname of "Emi", started playing soccer when she was 4.  She has been playing with her club team — Bayside FC — for the past three years, which has helped her skill level stand out at a young age.

When asked why she loves soccer, she responded, “It’s fun and it’s my favorite sport.”

Her older sister Olivia Marques, 11, younger brother Thomas Marques, 6, and her family are her biggest supporters and never miss a chance to watch her compete.