YUKON, Okla. - OklaNews -- Elite Athlete Marketing is finalizing contract negotiations with Kinleigh Ford, a Yukon eighth grader who has already established herself as one of Oklahoma's most promising young soccer talents as a key piece of the state's top-ranked 2010 club team.

Ford visited EAM's production facility Thursday to discuss representation and brand development. The center back and outside back shields and bodies opponents effectively regardless of the age gap, times her tackles with precision, and handles all free kicks and corners for her team—responsibilities that reflect the trust her coaches place in her as one of the squad's most reliable players.

"Kinleigh makes you do a double-take when you find out her age," said Elite Athlete Marketing representatives. "She's competing against high schoolers and winning those battles. That combination of physical play and game intelligence at her age is rare."

Ford plays on the 2010 club squad that currently sits first in the state. She shares that roster with fellow EAM athlete Avery Edgerton, another elite young prospect building her brand through the program. But Ford's skill level extends beyond her age group—she regularly gets called up to play with older club teams, going toe-to-toe with freshmen and sophomores. And it's no secret why especially with her defensive versatility.

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Playing both center back and outside back requires different skill sets—positioning and aerial presence in the middle, pace and recovery on the flanks. Ford's ability to excel at both suggests a ceiling that extends well beyond what she's already showing against older competition.

For a Class of 2030 prospect, Ford's development trajectory is already ahead of schedule. Her coaches trusted her enough to make her a cornerstone of the state's best 2010 team—and she's only getting started.

Final contract terms are expected to be completed in the coming days.

About Kinleigh Ford

Kinleigh Ford is a center back and outside back from Yukon, Oklahoma, in the Class of 2030. She plays on the top-ranked 2010 club team in Oklahoma and regularly gets called up to play one age group above her own. She handles set piece duties for her team and is teammates with fellow EAM athlete Avery Edgerton.

About Elite Athlete Marketing

Elite Athlete Marketing provides professional branding infrastructure and representation for athletes. Founded by former college athletes and coaches, EAM specializes in building brands for emerging talent.