AT SEVENTEEN YEARS OLD, COURTNEY MACPHEARSON HAS BEEN ACCEPTED INTO A WOMEN’S FOOTBALL ACADEMY IN THE NORTH WEST (ACROSS) AND BEEN PLAYING IN TWO INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENTS. ALSO CHANGING FROM GOALKEEPER TO FULL BACK, WE HAVE A RISING STAR IN OUR CASE?
“Tell us what brought you into playing women’s football and the age you were.”
I got into football at the age of 4 my parents told me I’d always be on the street kicking a football around against walls. And it then got serious where I’d enjoy watching games with my dad on TV and I then went to my first Celtic game at 7 years old.
“In your opinion, do you think with you will ever be capable to play with men?”
I personally think women are capable of playing football with men, although men have a higher muscle percentage then women which would benefit them more in a game, woman are also just as good as the men.
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time in your football careers?”
In 5 years’ time I want to be in America preferably Dallas playing soccer there at university and study. As in England it is very difficult to get far in women’s football as its not paid enough attention into it as for America it is massive over there.
“How would you encourage girls to take up football who don’t have a genuine interest to the sport?”
I would influence young girls to attend a football session to see if they have any potential or enjoyment for the sport and can gain a career out of it and enjoy the sport its self.
TRANSFERRING FROM A CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE TO A GRASSROOT TEAM, THERE IS NO PLACE THIS GIRL CAN’T GO TO SHOW OFF HER TALENT. BETH WILSON HAS AN ASTONISHING LEFT FOOT THAT CAN DELIVER THE MOST PERFECT CROSS TO FEET AND A HARD STRIKE WHICH ALL COMPETITORS FEAR OF FACING.
“Tell us what brought you into. playing women’s football and the age you were.”
Got into football by my dad making me go to team theme at primary school. It was one of my ideas of being sporty but I never knew I have a talent in it.
“In your opinion, do you think with you will ever be capable to play with men?”
I'd like to play with men but I don't think women's football is physically capable of playing with them.
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time in your football careers?”
I don't think I'll be playing football in 5 years’ time but I'd like to think I could. As competitive I am a professional career isn’t what I want.
“How would you encourage girls to take up football who don’t have a genuine interest to the sport?”
Set up fun training sessions to get them involved and see how it can be fun as well.
EMMA HICKSON MOVED CLUBS THROUGH HER JUNIOR CAREER WHICH ARE BIG RIVALS, (CREATING CONTROVERSY) AND ALL FOR THE GREATER GOOD. THE STIKER HAS BEEN OFFERED A SCHOALRSHIP FOR AMERICAN ACADEMY AND HAS PLAYED FOR HER COUNTY…SOON THE OLYMPICS, MAYBE OUR COUNTRY?
“Tell us what brought you into playing women’s football and the age you were.”
I was four year old when I got introduced to sport of football, when I was playing headers with my dad in the garden. I like watching the game it was really intriguing and I liked the kits the teams were playing.
“In your opinion, do you think with you will ever be capable to play with men?”
Not at a premier league level but I would say yes in terms of league one or two.
“Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time in your football careers?”
Hopefully in America on a footballing scholarship or playing at a decent level of women's football.
“How would you encourage girls to take up football who don’t have a genuine interest to the sport?”
Get involved! It’s a great sport and is becoming more and more popular for girls and things are finally starting to change even if it’s just recreational.
Photos on Right ©kipax.com/gallery/index.php?album=FOOTBALL_WOM%2F3339
Phot on Left taken by Monica Chadwick
Written by: Toni McCoy-Hopwood
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"Courage is taking those first steps to your dream, even if you can't see the path ahead."
- A quote all the girls are motivated by.