Grace Moss, one of 345 FC’s top players, has signed with Derby County FC’s academy in England, making her the second young footballer from 345 to earn a deal with a club in Europe this year, following on from Caymanian Lena Price.
Moss, a midfielder, recently went to England to try out at several academies, but noted when she trialled at Derby County, she “loved it” and their staff seemed to love her as well as they invited her to join the club.
“I trialled with the under-15s, which is my age group, and they said, ‘No, we want you to come back with the under-16s and train there,’ she said. “So, I’m moving back to England with my mum so I can just ultimately try … to achieve my dream and play football.
“Once … I was asked to sign, I think I was just so relieved at that point because I’ve been [trialling] at different academies and I was like, ‘No, I need to get in.’”
Moss moved to Cayman three years ago. Shortly after, she attended a 345 FC camp and ultimately joined the club.
Similar to Price, her talents enabled her to compete with the boys in the Cayman Islands Football Association U-15 league.
345 FC coach Peter Reijn said Moss was a great example of how hard work, dedication and having a growth mindset will lead players to where they want to go.
“We are happy for her and know she’ll do great things,” Reijn said.
Moss said signing with Derby County is the first step toward her goal of becoming a full-time professional footballer, but added that without her Cayman club the opportunity might not have presented itself.
“This is the club, everyone knows; if you want to get better as a footballer, you come to 345,” Moss said.
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