Melisa Ertürk, who played with the Nepean Hotspurs Harriers from 2006 until 2009, has been selected to play with Turkey’s U19 Women’s National team in the UEFA European Women’s U19 Championship Qualifying Round, which will be held in Sweden from March 27th to April 1st. Turkey will play Sweden, the Republic of Ireland and England during the qualifying round.
Melisa was invited to attend a selection camp with the Turkish national side earlier this year. In her first action on the international scene, Melisa and her team played in the 3rd Annual Kuban Spring Tournament which was held in Sochi, Russia from March 5th until March 17th. Melisa capped her tournament performance by scoring a goal in Turkey’s 2-0 win over Estonia, which saw Turkey claim 3rd place in the tournament.
The Turkish side had finished second in the tournament’s Group B qualifier on a record of 2 wins and a loss with a 7-0 win over the Southern Russia regional team, a 5-0 win over the Ural regional team, and a 1-0 loss to China. A quarter final game against the United States Olympic Development Program U19 Region 1 side saw Turkey advance to the semi finals with a 5-4 penalty shoot out victory over the Americans. In a semi final rematch, Turkey was defeated by China 3-0.
Melisa is the daughter of Mehmet Ertürk and Lise Naud. Mehmet is well known in Ottawa soccer circles as the Director of Membership for the Eastern Ontario District Soccer Association, and his many years with the Istanbul Spor Soccer Club. The entire Hotspurs family wishes Melisa every success in her journey with the Turkish national team. Our thoughts will be with you in Sweden. Safe travels to Melisa, Mehmet, Lise and Sibel.
