Desert Empire Surf Finalizes Roster for International Super Cup in Northern Ireland

With less than a month remaining before they take the international stage, Desert Empire Surf's 2010 Girls Club soccer team has officially finalized its roster for the Super Cup in Northern Ireland.

The Coachella Valley club will compete against some of the top soccer academies in the world, including powerhouse clubs from Liverpool and Manchester. For many of the players, the tournament will mark not only the biggest competition of their young careers but also their first trip outside the United States.

Players say the opportunity is both exciting and motivating as they prepare to test themselves against elite international competition.

"I want to see what I can do against other players and really find out how much talent I have," one player said.

Another added that the experience will expose the team to a completely different level of soccer while helping shape future goals of playing beyond high school.

"This opportunity is honestly incredible. It will help us grow as a team and help me grow as a player because I'll get to see bigger clubs and what that next level looks like."

The international tournament is also inspiring several players as they look ahead to future opportunities in the sport, with many pointing to next year's FIFA World Cup in North America as additional motivation to continue pursuing soccer at a high level.

Selecting the final traveling roster was no easy task.

"It was absolutely tough," said head coach Hugo Chaparro. "One of the toughest things we've had to do."

Now entering his fifth year leading the club, Chaparro says his team has embraced the challenge and is putting in extra work every day in preparation for the tournament.

"These girls are working around the clock," Chaparro said. "They're in the gym, at the park, and staying after training to work on their own. You can see how excited they are, and I think that's what makes this group special."

For a region where opportunities to play internationally are rare, the trip represents more than just competition. It serves as a chance for these young athletes to showcase the talent that exists throughout the Coachella Valley while gaining invaluable experience against some of the world's best youth clubs.

The Super Cup in Northern Ireland begins in late July. NBC Palm Springs will provide continuing coverage throughout the tournament, with updates on-air and online as Desert Empire Surf represents the Coachella Valley on the international stage.