Wight Eagles Under-14s goalkeeper, Schyler Gabbard-Jaspers, has been selected to trial for the AFC Wimbledon Pathway Academy and given her first shot towards becoming a professional footballer. Schyler travelled to New Melton to begin a 3-day trial with AFC Wimbledon on 7th May. Playing in the Hampshire League with Wight Eagles Academy for 3 years, Schyler is mad about football and is an avid AFC Wimbledon supporter, like her dad. She has been attending Wimbledon Women’s football matches since 2021, when she first met her mentor, fellow goalkeeper, Faye Baker, the Dons’ number one. It is through Faye’s own personal drive for success, that Schyler has found her confidence and determination to go for her dream of professional football. Training with Wight Eagles twice a week with dedicated goalkeeper coaching and participating in holiday goalkeeping programmes has helped Schyler to quickly find her feet. Coaches have described Schyler as “utterly fearless with a big kick” and “always putting her body on the line to make a save”. Having come back from a collarbone fracture at the end of last year, this opportunity with the Wimbledon academy is a Testament to Schyler’s determination to achieve her goals. Schyler says of this experience:
“I am extremely grateful to have been given this fantastic opportunity. I want to thank my coaches at Wight Eagles, my parents, and my mentor, Faye Baker, for all their support in helping me work hard toward my dream.”
Chairman Dan Verstraeten has said:
“Every time I see Schyler at Training her Gloves are on ready to start, she does have great determination to achieve her goal and always works hard. “It’s great again for the club to have a girl representing us and the island all the coaches work hard at Wight Eagles to produce the talent to get spotted.”
Good luck,going to use a few pens giving autographs!