Professional players share their top tips

Stephanie Roach

Our Women’s Football Academy students have been given an insight into life as a professional footballer during virtual lockdown sessions.

Republic of Ireland international Steph Roache and Brighton and Hove Albion defender Victoria Williams (Tori) shared their top tips and gave an insight into their playing careers from grassroots football through to turning professional.

Steph currently plays as a striker for Peamount United in Ireland and the students heard how scoring a wonder goal back in 2013 changed her life. The goal which became a YouTube sensation was the runner-up for the prestigious FIFA Puskás Award for the best goal of the year against world renowned players Robin van Persie and James Rodriguez.

Tori who started playing football at the age of 8 when she was signed by Doncaster Rovers Belles gave a masterclass on the role of a defender, sharing hints and tips with the students.

Libbi McInnes, who plays for the Women’s Football Academy while studying for a Level 3 in Uniformed Public Services said: “It was really insightful to hear about Steph and Tori’s experiences and how they became professional footballers. It was a unique opportunity and to be able to ask questions and get top tips from not one, but two professional footballers was fantastic. Becoming a professional footballer, like Tori and Steph, is something I would love to do in the future, therefore hearing their stories and advice was very inspiring.”

Find out more about our Womens Football Academy here.