Youth Soccer Player Disqualified for Looking Like a Boy

On Sunday, eight-year-old Mili Hernandez was disqualified from the finals of the Springfield (Neb.) Soccer Club Tournament along with her entire team when officials mistook her for a boy.

In an interview with local TV station WOWT 6, Hernandez said, “Just because I look like a boy doesn't mean I am a boy. They don't have a reason to kick the whole club out.”

Hernandez’ father told ESPN W that he offered her insurance card as proof after learning of the disqualification, but officials refused to look at it.

He told the Washington Post, “I was mad. I never had that problem before. She's been playing so long in different tournaments.”

On twitter, pro soccer players Mia Hamm and Abby Wambach shared words of encouragement for Hernandez:

Hey Mili, we would love to host you at one of our camps @TeamFirstSA . Be you!

— Mia Hamm (@MiaHamm) June 5, 2017

Mili, don't EVER let anyone tell you that you aren't perfect just as you are.i won championships with short hair https://t.co/WlfL3EIPic

— Abby Wambach (@AbbyWambach) June 5, 2017

The Hernandez family was told that they could challenge the disqualification by appealing to the Nebraska State Soccer Association.