16 March 2021

Eye-opening Interview with a Professional Footballer

What does it take to be a professional footballer?

Our Women’s Football Team had the chance to speak to professional footballer Georgia Stevens, who recently signed as a striker for Coventry United. Georgia, 20, who has previously played for Liverpool, Everton and Thor KA spoke to the team about how she has become successful at such a young age and the dedication that she has put into training.

Casey Iron and Charlotte Rutt were two of the students who spoke to Georgia. Find out why they chose to join the STORM Women’s Football Team and what they gained from Georgia’s talk.

Casey Iron, Level 3 Sports and Exercise Science

“Joining the USP College Football Team was a real eye-opener for me as I was in football before joining. I never knew what it felt like not to be the best and to not start all the time. It helped me realise that I love this game and to continue playing it I had to have set backs just to move higher up. USP taught me that you are never going to stroll into a team and be the star; you need to work harder and push further to reach what you wanted.

Having the time to talk to Georgia and listen to her experience was exactly what I needed. I knew that she had gone through things that I was yet to experience and knowing that it gives you some peace of mind to know someone has been through it and is able to give you some idea and information about what it is like. Hearing that Georgia moved into football at a young age was something that really struck me. I’ve been questioning for a long time whether I’m ready or if it is the right decision to move into women’s football but hearing that Georgia had moved at a young age gave me reassurance that yes it’s a big step but it can be done.”

Charlotte Rutt, Level 3 Visual Design

“I’m currently studying Visual Design which many people think is a bit odd for someone also playing football at the college however it’s something I have a big interest in.

I have been playing football since I was 6 years old originally playing in boy’s teams, then I started playing in girls’ teams when I was 11. I really enjoy playing football as I feel like it’s an escape from reality for 90 minutes and where you can forget about everything and just play a game you love surrounded by your teammates that bring out the best of you on the pitch.

Something I like about being part of the college team is everyone is pushing each other to be the best they can and always encouraging each other too! In addition to this being part of the college team makes you feel part of a really big loving family that all want you to achieve your goals no matter how big or small they are.

I thought Georgia’s talk was really eye-opening and nice to hear someone who is still young who has been given so many good opportunities within the football industry. She mentions that you don’t have to be in top teams to get noticed. Also that it’s okay to be told no and getting rejected from teams long as you can reflect on your performance and work on yourself ask managers and coaches around you what you can do to improve and better yourself and remember that rejection is redirection.”

We will be holding Women’s Football Academy trials on 31 March. Sign up today for the chance to join the team Storm Women's Football Academy Trials - March (uspcollege.ac.uk)