“Young girls are gradually being integrated into professional football, getting used to having cameras, large crowds, and playing against other youth academies... it gives them a sense of what they might experience in the future,” says María Aymerich after finishing one of her team's matches. The Madrid CFF forward is one of the brightest raw talents in the Madrid side's academy. At just 16 years old—turning seventeen in August—the striker has already made her debut this season in Liga F Moeve, where she has played 19 minutes across two matches, against Athletic Club and Deportivo Abanca. In the Torneo Liga Futura Moeve, she is part of her team's coaching staff, helping the girls during matches. “I’d never had this role before, but you see football in a different way,” declares the footballer, who contributes her experience to help the girls enjoy the experience to the full.

Just a month ago, she played in the U17 European Championship with the Spanish national team, where they were knocked out in the semi-finals by Germany on penalties, 0(4)-0(3). “I am very grateful to have lived through everything I have because I can help these girls grow a lot professionally, as I have already experienced many of the things they are going through now. I know exactly how it feels, and that can help them see things from different perspectives,” explains the Madrid CFF forward, who is very clear about the advice she gives the girls. “Fight for every play, don’t give up on any ball, and, above all, keep pushing, because you must never stop believing or fighting until the very last minute,” the player declares.

Despite falling in the group stage and having to play in the Silver Phase, Madrid CFF has put in three very good performances and will look to keep learning throughout the remainder of the tournament. “The girls are very well prepared; they are giving their all, every effort, every ball... they are fighting for it and going for it,” she confesses. Finally, María Aymerich reaffirms the Madrid club's strong commitment to always investing in their youth academy. “It is a club that believes a lot in the girls, both those who arrive from outside and those who have grown up at the club. They give many opportunities to academy players, and even if you join as a cadet or youth player, you can get your chance. It is a club that believes strongly in the development of young girls and has many projects for them,” she concludes.