[Rachel] I always think it helps to have a female role model. Being able to physically see the successes of someone you look up to, makes it easier to strive to reach something, especially when you know it is possible to do so.It’s great news that BBC are going to include coverage of some of the WSL games and also a highlights programme on a weekly basis.
[Christie] I think it does to some degree. When I was growing up I only played football with boys or watched men’s football. I never really watched the woman’s national team play until I was about 13 or 14. It opened my eyes to what opportunities were out there and inspired me to want to play for my country.
[Rachel] It’s hard to say whether or not it’s fair, as the media tend to publish what the readers and listeners want to hear. However, they are pivotal in helping to change perceptions and promoting the game and therefore the more positive press the better.Naturally, as high performing, competitive athletes, when someone is critical or disregards the hard work you put in, you always want to show them otherwise.I’ve played senior Women’s football for 6 years now and it’s important not to be distracted by negativity. I love the game and have my own reasons for trying to be the best I can be and it’s these reasons that help you to get to the top.
[Rachel] In my opinion, I would say yes. When I was younger, physically watching and meeting the players you look up to helps you to see what you need to do to reach your goals.
Being part of a family club at Glasgow City, the senior team loves hearing that the youth teams are growing and succeeding, and hopefully the club can continue to develop young players into Scotland Internationalists.
[Emma] As an internationalist at GCFC we are expected to be role models for our youth players. This means we offer advice about training, eating, resting and tactical play. The first team players take this role very seriously and we hope it makes a difference.
[Christie] I think it can help particularly if the player is a good role model and sets a good example for these young players to look up to and learn from. It can also show them what opportunities are out there for them if they work hard.
[Christie] That is a difficult question, I think that lack of support from friends and family may have an impact on performance, but these situations affect people differently, some worse than others. In terms of it influencing ability levels I think that whether or not you are exposed to the right type of training environment could to a greater or lesser extent help nurture a child’s ability.
[Rachel] For me, the support I have received from my family and friends has been fundamental to the level of success I have achieved. However, if you have a dream, you (as the player) are always in charge of how hard you try to reach that goal and therefore whether you have the support behind you or not, it’s always possible to get where you want to be.
I do think that it is a great help to have the support and stability around you, but that doesn’t make it an easy road to the top. Always work hard and prepare the best you can to give yourself the best chance to be the best you can be.
[Emma] Like anything else in life you want to be fully focused on doing your job to the best of your ability; distractions abound in all walks of life and as an elite player you have to temporarily erase all external issues and concentrate on the 90 minute game. I am extremely fortunate that I have overwhelming support from my family; my friends understand the responsibilities and commitments that I have with my football. Otherwise, they would no longer be my friends.
