Three young Greek Australians have been named in the Football Victoria Under 15 Girls squad competing at the 2025 Nike Premier Cup in the United States.

Paraskevi (Paris) Kossivas, Lili Papanotas and Lusia Labarca Lappas are all part of the 17-player squad that will take on elite junior teams from around the world at Nike’s World Headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, from July 25.

Paris has been part of the FV Academy for two seasons now, having previously played for South Melbourne FC.

“When I found out, I was really excited to be part of the squad and given this amazing opportunity to be able to play overseas in a tournament against some of the best teams in the world,” she told Neos Kosmos.

“I was actually shocked when I heard that I was in this squad and I was given this opportunity at the age of 15 to travel overseas with my team to the US.

“I am most looking forward to travelling with my team and competing against some of the best players around the world and seeing how myself and my team can match up to them.”

Lili, who is in her first year in the program and was at Essendon Royals for two years, said she was in disbelief when she found out she was selected.

“These kinds of things don’t usually happen to me and my family. Always feel like we have to work hard to get somewhere,” she said.

“But now, I’m super excited. What an opportunity for all of us to be part of something amazing like this. An experience to cherish and remember forever.”

Like Paris, Lusia also previously played for South Melbourne. She also played for Dandenong City and has been part of FV for two years (but left for a period of time).

“I had a lot of emotions but I was so excited and happy. I felt like I was a part of something special and important,” she said on her selection.

“The one thing I’m looking forward to is definitely seeing all of the other countries and teams and enjoying myself with my teammates this is a life time opportunity.”

The confirmed teams (to date) for the 2025 Nike Premier Cup are:

Football Victoria (Australia)

Chelsea (England)

Inter Milan (Italy)

Bromma Girls (Sweden)

Atletico de Madrid (Spain)

VFL Wolfsburg (Germany)

Urawa Red Diamonds (Japan)

KFA Queens (South Korea)

LIGA BBVA MX Feminil (Mexico)

San Diego Surf (US)

Calgary Foothills (Canada)