Soffia Kelly overcomes adversity to play for Wales

We’re delighted to report Soffia Kelly recently made her debut for Wales U19s in a crunch game against none other than arch-rivals England!

We first met Soffia in January when she was nominated for the Principality Child of Wales Awards.

But what people really responded to was Soffia’s story overcoming adversity to pursue her dream of one day playing for Wales.

Her mum, Soraya Kelly, described how it used to break the family’s heart as Soffia suffered chronic loneliness, never invited to parties and was left kicking a ball alone in the back garden.

Well, all that kicking has paid off in a big way.

Not only has Soffia achieved her dream of playing for Wales, she’s also been turned into a cartoon character on CBeebies!

Soffia is to star in an as-yet-to-be-released documentary on anti-bullying where she voices her own cartoon character.

Soffia achieved her dream of playing for Wales (Image: The Kellys)

Soffia made her international debut at U19s level versus England (Image: The Kellys)

Mrs Kelly said the family are just thrilled with the way Soffia has turned it round.

Back in January, Mrs Kelly described how growing up can be so so hard.

“Sofia has had to overcome some real challenges to get to where she is,” said Mrs Kelly. “You know how cruel kids can be.

“It used to break my heart seeing her playing on her own in the garden with no friends.”

It used to break the Kelly's hearts watching Soffia (front right) playing football alone (Image: The Kellys)

Now, Soffia is an international goalkeeper! (Image: The Kellys)

Soffia now goes from strength to strength (Image: The Kellys)

• Barry girl overcame the bullies and mum's ill health to never give up on her dream

When we spoke to Mrs Kelly post Soffia’s international debut, she explained a little more about Soffia’s struggles, revealing the darkest moment on the road towards the light.

“The darkest moment was the loneliness,” said Mrs Kelly. “When I found her diary I did not realise what she was feeling.

“She was just very, very low, but look at her now.”

Along with playing for Wales, Soffia, who plays for FAW’s academy side for South Wales, has also had trials at Aston Villa’s academy and she is on her way to completing her level three coaching qualification at Cardiff and Vale College.

From everyone at Barry and District News, we want to say congratulations Soffia!