FROM THE U.K. TO THE U.S.A

Over the last week it was announced by the Phoenix Red Tails that 5 U.K. based athletes, 1 of which is A Rival, would be joining their team come 2021 to play in the Women’s Football League Association (WFLA), in Arizona. We managed to catch up with four of the ladies, Gaby Knops, Sydney Green, Vanessa Mansaray and our own Siobhan Walker.

When we asked the Ladies what they were most excited for in Arizona, Siobhan said ‘Meeting the team, I know we’ve got a strong group of players and can’t wait to see them all ball out on the field.’ Gaby echoed the thoughts of Siobhan saying ‘I’m so excited to meet the rest of the team and get to work!!’ Vanessa mentioned ‘Not only having the opportunity to play International ball but to be a part of the first season of a professional women’s American Football league is the most exciting!’ Sydney made note of the ‘challenge of being surrounded by athletes from all parts of the world.’ She said that the ladies are all coming from different coaching backgrounds, (probable) different standards and to see how they’re going to work together to push each other to be better was an exciting thought. Having spoken to her new teammates she said ‘you can hear the excitement and enthusiasm, we’re all ready to see what the Red Tails can do.’

As for their expectations as they head into the season with the Red Tails, both Sydney and Gaby said they’re looking to win the league. Whilst Siobhan said ‘I expect to be going into a professional and family orientated organisation. They have already set standards and are pushing for greatness, out of all to be the best we can be and I’m already excited to see what the season will bring. There are fantastic people working behind the scenes to make sure everything runs smoothly. I already feel a part of a winning organisation.’ Vanessa remarked ‘I am expecting A LOT of heat to be honest, as in weather LOL! But most importantly I expect to be driven until I can see my full potential. I want to be recognised as the best Centre internationally and I know this experience will get me there.’ Sydney added that this is a team where the ladies are not expecting anything less than to arrive at camp and put in the work to make it possible. Everyone is going to be doing what they can to make this team great, and I’ll be doing my part too.’

To some the idea of playing in the States is the ultimate dream, and to very few it is a dream come true. When we asked the ladies if they thought playing in the States will be different to playing in the U.K. or for Great Britain (GB), they all agreed it would be. Gaby is returning to the States having already had the opportunity to ball out over the pond and said ‘I loved it! The standard is incredible, the girls are just bigger and faster and the facilities are incredible.’ Siobhan added that she thought the one big difference will be the weather. ‘The women’s football season in the U.K. is played from December – March in the cooler months, however the WFLA season runs right through the summer and with the team being located in Phoenix, I know the sun out there is not to be messed with. Definitely will need to get acclimatised to the heat!’ Discussing the difference between the women’s football season in the U.K. and the WFLA Sydney said ‘I definitely expect it to be different and a learning experience, to see a new style of coaching, new players and people. The longest most people in the U.K. have played is for around 6/7 years, whereas in the States they will have more experience so they will be bringing that onto the field. It’s just exciting to think we will be playing 11 aside and a full league, I’m not sure when that will even be possible in the women’s U.K. game.’ Vanessa also remarked that she thought it would be different, ‘I believe playing internationally is the next step up. However, not so different as football is football. We will train, sweat and cry together for 5-6 months and the main goal is to be number one – so no difference!’

The newly founded WFLA brings new opportunities to players all over the world, we asked the ladies what advice they would give someone who wanted to play in the States and their responses echoed the hard work that they all put in. Vanessa made a note of tips from coaches, ‘As my Coaches say – always push yourself to be 1% better in everything you do. Especially for all the women out there, keep grinding and reaching for the stars. Get on a team be it flag or tackle and work on your craft. Stay humble, take critique and just remember to have fun as you progress.’ Sydney said ‘I would say that the best way to create these chances for yourself is to always put the work in off the field, football is just as much mental as it is physical so the more knowledge you can absorb the better. Ask questions to your coaches, to your teammates and friends. Stay a student to the game, you’re more likely to get opportunities if you’re coachable than if you think you already know everything.’ Gaby said ‘Just say yes. Train hard, eat well but be open to new challenges and new experiences and be willing to take a risk.’ Siobhan added ‘Just go for it! Believe in yourself, believe in your skill set!’

All the ladies have been involved in American Football for a few years, we wanted to explore their reasons for choosing the sport. Siobhan said ‘It was actually by chance, originally I was looking for a football (soccer) team to join and while browsing online I happened to come across an advert for an American Football team looking for female players. I thought I’d give it a go as I would watch NFL games and always found it interesting. Since then I’ve never turned back.’ As for Vanessa she made reference to a family trip to North Carolina, ‘I knew nothing about ball whatsoever! It turned out the Panthers made it to the Superbowl that year (15/16 season). The whole state was in absolute support of their team and the vibe is genuinely what I fell in love with. From the fans to the players, it’s definitely a sport that can bring communities and people all over the world together.’ Sydney followed more of a family path to the sport saying ‘Initially I chose to play American Football because my brothers did, I enjoy sports but at 16 I wasn’t brave enough for rugby through fear of hurting my face so American Football was the right challenge for me. I continue playing it because of the mental and physical challenge it brings, nothing compares to the feeling after winning a game.’

With the ladies all now having a passion for the sport, and many years of experience, we wanted to find out what aspects came easiest for them. All 4 ladies mentioned the physicality of the game, Siobhan said ‘I think it’s one thing that has always come naturally to me when playing. Not being afraid to hit and be hit. Even when I’ve played flag I think my teammates will attest to me being physical and standing my ground.’ Sydney remarked that since she started playing at the age of 16 she had no fear, saying she ‘would run straight into people who were bigger and bounce straight back up. I’m still like that now, I think it’s because I like to take the shortest possible route places, avoiding the extra running.’ Gaby added ‘the aggression and the physicality.’

Motivation in any sport is one of the keys to succeeding; and within a team sport there can be numerous different motivators present at once. We asked the ladies what their main motivations are for playing football. ‘My main motivation is that I want to inspire and teach little girls that American Football isn’t a ‘mans’ sport.’ Sydney revealed. ‘Growing up for me, there weren’t many female athletes in the mainstream media to look up to and aspire to be like, opportunities like this with the WFLA just takes us one step closer to be able to inspire them.’ Gaby noted that her main motivation is keeping herself strong and fit, adding ‘knowing and trusting that my body and brain can play football motivates me.’ Siobhan mentioned that it was her ‘love of the game, I feel the sport pushes me out of my comfort zone in many ways and helps me grow as an athlete and a person.’ Vanessa’s motivation is more sentimental, ‘my partner is my biggest motivation. He is one of the best Defensive linemen in the U.K., so of course, he got me involved with the sport! As we play opposing positions he has been able to mentor me mentally and physically. Always pushing me to be better and my number one supporter!’

The opportunities for women in the U.K. are limited for many sports, but the limitation is particularly prevalent in American Football; so to be signed to play within America is a big deal and a huge achievement. We asked the ladies what their major highlights and achievements have been so far in the sport. Gaby answered ‘Playing for Team GB in the Women’s World Cup in 2017 and making the semi finals with the Seattle Majestics.’ Sydney noted ‘Being privileged enough to represent Team GB is certainly one of them, especially playing at home last year so my family could watch. The GB vs Finland game has been the highlight of my playing career so far, it was definitely the most fun I’ve had playing Quarterback (QB) – definitely thanks to flight school making me look good too.’ The GB team echoed throughout the ladies’ answers, with Vanessa mentioning Team GB as well as being named an Offensive Captain for my home team, the London Warriors, during the Sapphire 2019/20 league. ‘That alone made me truly want to be better, not just for me but for the squad. I loved being a part of helping the team be 1% better every time we step on the field, be it during practice or come game day.’ Siobhan adds ‘There have been a few major highlights for me in my time playing. I’d say my top three were; representing Team GB in the European Championships on home soil and seeing so many supporters in the stand was amazing. Reaching the Final of Big Bowl in Germany with my flag team Hyde Park Renegades against the WFFN USA Team, the group stages were intense so to make it to the finals was a testament to how hard the team had worked. Lastly every time I step onto the field as a London Warrior, there’s just something special about that team I’m always proud to be a part of.’

With the women not stepping out onto the field until May 2021 we wondered if the ladies had any habits or techniques they would carry over into next year. We asked what rituals they perform before a game. Gaby said ‘I never sleep.’ Siobhan remarked ‘As I step onto the field I always say to myself ‘Fight for every ball, fight for every yard, nothing is given.’’ Sydney added ‘I like to zone out before a game, I’m a very relaxed person – sometimes I’ve been told I’m too relaxed but as a QB it’s a good trait to have I think. Headphones in, and if possible I want to find somewhere to lie down!’

Most players are often recognised by or associated with a specific number; so we asked what number these ladies wear and what the significance was. Gaby, Siobhan and Vanessa have worn the same number repeatedly, Gaby wearing number 3 saying ‘there’s no significance. I just like to be a single digit so I can see myself on film.’ Siobhan wears 16 which she claimed was ‘3+0+1+0+9+3 = 30/10/93 = My birthday #QuickMath.’ As for Vanessa ‘50 is significant to me because I’ve used the number for 3-4 years but ultimately, I selected it because I play Centre, which is right bang in the middle (of the Offensive Line).’

As you now know, the WFLA are a newly founded league, with great hopes for the future; due to this we wanted to know where the ladies see themselves in 5 years. Gaby answered ‘I hope to still be playing football and being a role model and leader. I hope to inspire others to play football and that women can show they can ball out!’ Siobhan remarked ‘I’d like to open up my own gym and still play, if not play, then coaching.’ Sydney said ‘I want to still be playing, but also building up my coaching experience more. By then I would have been playing for 10 years so that’s a lot of experience I could be using to help the next generation of ballers.’

As the WFLA season starts in May 2021, the ladies will find themselves in Arizona from March next year. We wish them the best of luck and will be following them every step of the way!