Blackmore becomes CK United’s first international

Sofia Blackmore became CK United’s first player to earn an international cap when she made her debut for the Ireland GU16’s in Prague against Czechia last month Head of Women’s Football at CK United, Leanne Delaney sang her praises.

“She’s a special player and we’re all very proud," Delaney said. 

"She joined us in July from Waterford. She's an exceptionally good kid, exceptionally talented. Unbelievably good with her hands and her feet, playing out from the back. 

"So, yeah, it's a massive achievement for herself and, of course, for the club as well. First international call-up, first international cap at 15 years of age. It's massive, massive for her. She did well over there. She really enjoyed her time over there. It was very good for her to get away and see that side of football too.” 

Delaney added that she’s hoping it inspires others to go on and play for Ireland.

“We just kind of hope that Sofia inspires the next international player to come through the ranks as well. It's a pathway for them. They can see. 

"If you can't see, you can't be without seeing Sofia come through the ranks and get up to an international call-up. So hopefully that'll inspire the rest of the girls to do something similar.” 

She said that it’s great for the future of the club’s development of girls in that the club can now be a pathway to playing international football.

“I suppose seeing that there's a pathway through CK as well and I suppose it's great for going to the club and people seeing that they see that now that no matter where you are, whether it's CK, whether you're Wexford, wherever you are, you're getting that international call-up, you're doing well enough. 

"So if you work hard enough, no matter where you are, you will get that call-up.”