Emma Hicks says the idea of playing for Canada in Finland later this year is still unreal to her.

The Sussex native, who now lives in Fredericton, found out earlier this month she had been chosen to play at the 2013 International Federation of American Football women’s world championship.

“I’m still quite new to the sport,” Hicks said last week from Fredericton. “It’s pretty exciting. I never would have imagined playing for Canada.”

Hicks got the call early in March while she was at the PotashCorp Civic Centre, the day before her birthday, that broke the news about making the team.

The 25-year-old said she got to tell her grandmother in person, who she said was quite excited.

“My dad as well was excited. I think he’s a little surprised that his daughter is a football player, but really likes it,” said Hicks, who plays for the Capital Area Curves Lady Gladiators, part of the Maritime Women’s Football League.

The world championship will be held June 28 to July 7 in Vantaa, Finland.

The team members were picked from 75 players who attended final selection camps in Fredericton and Moose Jaw.

Two other Lady Gladiators — receiver Alex Black of Yoho Lake and Fredericton’s Robyn Neill on the offensive line — were selected.

Three Moncton Vipers also made the squad: Riverview running back Justine Barter, receiver Tara Keohan and defensive back Marie-Noëlle Beaulieu, both of Moncton.

Saint John Storm receiver Lori Boyles and teammate Trina Graves, on the defensive line, also were chosen to the Canadian team.

Among the 10 players on the reserve roster are Nackawic’s Kristen Chatterton of the Gladiators and Michelle Young-Mather of the Storm.

“I still feel like I really shouldn’t be there,” Hicks, a linebacker, said. “But the coaches see something and I work hard and I’ve learned a lot.”

Canada earned a silver medal in the first world championship held in 2010.

When she moved to Saskatchewan for work, it was the first year for the women’s team there.

“I was working and had no interest. I thought it was kind of boring,” she said with a chuckle.

But she tried it out and said she fell in love with the sport. She was there for only half a season before returning to Fredericton for school.

After Googling, she found the women’s league here and the Fredericton team.

“I played last year with Fredericton, and that’s pretty much the extent of my football career,” she said.

She said working for Football New Brunswick last year and meeting coaches and high-performance players helped with her development.

“I’d say I wish I got started sooner, but I didn’t know football existed to the extent that it does in New Brunswick,” she said. “I think promoting the sport is important.”

She said when she tells people about playing football, they’re surprised there are teams.

“Even when I tell them I play in Fredericton, they ask about other teams we play.”

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Maritime Women’s Football League. That milestone will be celebrated at the championships in Saint John.

“I think there is still a lot of promotion to do with the league,” said Hicks. “I think this is a great year for it with team Canada and the anniversary.”

She’ll keep playing with her club team through the summer and will attend the team training camp near the end of June.

Hicks is beginning to fundraise — she has to pay her way to the championship in Finland. She needs to raise about $3,500 to cover her expenses.

A bottle drive is planned for Fredericton and a local event is being organized by the Sussex Christian School. The school is hosting a spaghetti dinner and auction on June 1. Tickets are available by calling Fern at 506-432-1919 or fahnb@yahoo.ca.

She’ll be approaching businesses for sponsorship as well. Hicks said there is a good support network in female football.

“I really appreciate the support from my coaches and fellow players,” she said.