We consistently hear how most of the big name players in world football go through a myriad of issues and face plenty of adversities before getting to their current state of fame and reputation. And that’s the beauty of football, because the concept is pretty much universal. In most countries around the globe, football is a way out of poverty while for some, it’s just about the fun of engaging in the beautiful game.
Similarly, Helma Emily Joinin from Sabah is an individual who battled through various different problems throughout her childhood, though her determination for success was unparalleled. In 2013, she was selected to be part of a 32-individual squad that was sent to Cardiff City for a short training stint. Since then, there has been no turning back.
Growing up in a rural area of Sabah, it literally took her 9 hours to get to her primary school, which was 100km away. But Helma never used that as an excuse to let her studies deteriorate. In fact, she took the challenge heads on and became the first student from her school to achieve 5A’s in the UPSR examinations.
She first picked up football after joining her dad and his friends, who would regularly play around their housing area. Soon, she was caught with the irreversible football fever and actively played the game. Then, her dream came true in 2013 when she travelled to Cardiff for the training stint and over there, she impressed the coaches with her skills and ability.
And two years later, she got an invitation from the Welsh outfit for the second time, though this time around, she will be travelling to Cardiff as a mentor for other kids with dreams of making it big in the footballing industry!
Check out the video below for a documentation on her amazing journey!
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