Faye White
She shoots, she scores!
Former Brownie, Faye White, is living proof that football isn’t just for boys. The England and Arsenal captain will be taking the England team to Shanghai in China in September for their first Women’s World Cup since 1995.
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The 2007 FIFA Women’s World Cup starts next month. Are you excited?
Yes! Everyone wants to go to a World Cup and be part of the team. So we’re training hard towards that. Going to China will be amazing.
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How did you get into football?
I’ve always been sporty. When I was young I played a lot of different sports. My brother and dad always played football and I used to go along and watch them play. I trained with them as my dad coached my brother’s team. Then when I got older I wasn’t allowed to train with them so I went and looked for a female team.
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What is it like to be the captain of the Arsenal and England Ladies football teams?
When I was younger it was something I didn’t necessarily think I could do but it is obviously a big honour. It makes me want to recover quickly from injuries! |
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How do you prepare for a big match?
Sleep, train, make sure I eat the right things and don’t go out late the night before. There are always a few things I always do on match day, like listening to music - everyone has music that gets them pumped up. Also, just relaxing before the game helps, especially when I’m away with England. When I play with Arsenal I work during the day for the club and rush for the game in the evening so it’s not the ideal preparation, but when I’m playing with England I make the most of it. |
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When you are not training or playing football what do you enjoy doing?
Going to the cinema or out to dinner with my boyfriend. Just relaxing really. I’m not a big reader but sometimes I read biographies. I know it sounds sad but I really like going out into my garden and mowing the lawn. |
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If you werent a footballer what job would you have chosen?
Im sure I would have done something in sports. I always liked anatomy at school so maybe a physiotherapist (someone who treats physical problems like sports injuries) or a coach. When I was younger I wanted to be a PE teacher. |
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How did it feel to receive an award for services to sport from the Queen?
Its a great honour and Im really happy because normally I get rewards as part of a team. Its something that I can look back on and say Wow! Its also a reward for my family for having supported me so much, and good recognition for the womens game. The Queen wished the team well for the World Cup and told me to Keep up the good work. |
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Football is considered a boys' sport. What do you have to say about this?
I dont think it is now. More girls are getting involved and so many more female teams are being created. The women's games being shown live on telly help to get the message out there that footballs not just for boys.. |
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What do you think of guiding?
Its good. It gets girls involved in things they are interested in and introduces them to new things at a young age, which can open up different interests and careers. I remember doing lots of different activities when I was in Brownies. |
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What advice do you have for girls who are interested in getting into professional football?
Join a club at an early age. I know they allow girls to play with boys up until about 12 or 13 which I think helps them at a young age because boys are stronger and the games are quicker. Then get into a women's team and work hard at it. Dont allow people to say you cant do it if its what you want. Ive had a lot of that over my career with people saying girls cant play football. Just stick at it. There will be easy times as well as hard but youve just got to try hard and enjoy it. |
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How do you think sport can help girls?
I know it's done wonders for me. You become a lot more confident, especially when you are doing well. A lot of girls worry about their weight. Playing football or enjoying a sport without really having the drag of exercising is the best way to keep in shape and stay fit and healthy. Football has given me confidence and experiences that I didnt think I would achieve. |
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You coach football to girls in the Greater London area. Is this a regular thing?
Its more in the summer that we do coaching. We set up soccer school for kids in the local area in Hertfordshire and also go into schools and do coaching sessions to try and get girls involved in football at an early age. We also set up a lot of festivals as well where they get to play five-a-side tournaments. |
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Get Involved
Did you know that in England, more girls are involved in football than in any other sport? And, because it's the number one sport of choice for girls, the Football Association has made sure that there are more opportunities than ever available to anyone who wants to get involved. For all the 'Get Involved' info, visit the FA's website at: www.thefa.com
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