An emergency surgery put an end to her participation on the field. Fourteen-year-old Milla Overgaard found another way to be part of the Kronborg Cup. Instead of playing soccer, she put on a volunteer jersey and helped out behind the scenes.

For most 14-year-old soccer players, it would be a disappointment to have to sit out one of the summer’s highlights with friends. Milla Overgaard usually plays for Snekkersten IF on the club’s 2012 age-group team. Shortly before the Kronborg Cup, she came down with appendicitis and had to undergo emergency surgery. As a result, she had to scrap her plans to play in the tournament.

Even though she had to watch the Kronborg Cup from the sidelines this time, she still found a way to be part of the community, so she didn't miss out on the tournament.

From Player to Volunteer
Instead, Milla went to Borupgård School with her family, where she volunteered to help the teams staying there.

On Sunday morning, she was up and ready as early as six o’clock and helped out at the school all morning. There, she helped serve breakfast, clean up, and make sure the teams staying there could check out after the weekend.

"I think volunteering is really fun. I help people check out and do other little tasks," she says .

Although she would have preferred to play soccer, her experience as a volunteer has been a positive one.

"It's nice to help others"
For Milla, volunteering is about both community and making a difference in others' lives.

"I think it's a great initiative to help people, which is what you do as a volunteer. It's also just a lot of fun. And I get to do all kinds of things, and we have a lot of freedom."

The many volunteers are an important part of the Kronborg Cup, and Milla has quickly learned how even small tasks can make a difference for participants and guests.

While some play in matches, others take care of breakfast, practical tasks, and making sure everyone has a great experience off the field.

A commitment that goes beyond soccer
Helping others is nothing new for Milla. Alongside her soccer career, she has launched a fundraiser for Knæk Cancer. This is because several members of her family have been affected by cancer, so she decided to make a difference.

To raise money, she helps with gardening, pulls weeds, washes bicycles, and walks people’s dogs, among other things. Her original goal was to raise 5,000 kroner. So far, she has raised about 9,000 kroner.

It shows that she is a young girl with plenty of initiative and a desire to help others—both in and outside of soccer.