Spotlight On Kathrine Kuhl

Above: Everton’s Kathrine Kuhl.  Photos: Harvey Todd

By Emily Evans (20/02/24).

Currently on loan to Everton, twenty-year-old Kathrine Kuhl has firmly established herself as someone with a bright future in the women’s game. The midfielder is skilled at creating pockets of space, putting in clinical tackles when necessary, having vision on the field of where to pass to and being an all-around versatile player – a manager’s dream!

Although only moving to the Barclays Women’s Super League (WSL) in the 2023 January transfer window, Kathrine has made herself an integral member of the teams she has played for. From winning the Conti Cup with Arsenal and receiving a call up for the 2023 Women’s World Cup with Denmark, she has shown much promise and I believe that she could become one of the best midfielders in the WSL.  

Kathrine joined the Gunners in January 2023, signing from Nordsjælland where she made 71 appearances and scored 7 goals. And also lifted the 2019/20 Danish Cup.

Her Arsenal debut came on 26th January, when she came on as a 67th minute substitute in their Continental Cup Quarter Final game against Aston Villa. This game saw the Gunners winning 3-0 and therefore progressing into the semi-final.

She went on to make thirteen appearances over the season, lifting the Continental Cup after a 3-1 victory over Chelsea.

Last month she joined Everton on loan for the rest of the 23/24 season. Already, she has made four appearances and scored her first goal, showing the endless talent that she has on the pitch. 

Kuhl won Adobe Women’s FA Cup Baller of the Round. Kuhl starred in Everton’s comprehensive 7-1 victory over Nottingham Forest. Her goal was arguably the pick of the bunch, disposing a Forest defender just inside their own half. She proceeded to race towards goal and produced a finish with the outside of her boot which her fellow Dane Pernille Harder would be proud of.

Having nothing but praise for her Arsenal teammates, the midfielder stated in a recent interview with Shesaballer, “The best player I’ve played with is Kim Little or Leah Williamson. Kim is a big role model for me as a midfielder and Leah sees the game at a different level.”  

During the same interview, she made the comment, “I’m really happy I got the opportunity to come on loan. I want to keep developing on being better in the final third, scoring goals and winning games.” She’s clearly enjoying her time on loan, reassuring the fans that the loan was the right choice for not only her development but also her confidence. 

Everton, although currently standing ninth in the WSL table, is a great club for Kuhl to go on loan to, her talent already shining through in the short amount of time she has been there.

Being so young, it is key that she gets consistent game time, which we can already see is happening here, unlike at Arsenal where she wasn’t played too often. 

The result of this is that she can get that experience on and off the pitch, playing with some amazing players, while also learning the ins and outs of being a full time game starter. 

Kuhl won her first senior cap in 2021 and at the time of writing has over 35 appearances and a single goal for Denmark. Playing among the likes of Pernille Harder, Signe Brunn, Sanne Troelsgaard and Sofie Svava, just to name a few, will have been beneficial to her development on and off the pitch, with the aforementioned players being great role models.

After progressing through the youth ranks, her debut was against Wales, where the Danish team drew 1-1, Kuhl made her international debut in the 81st minute. Her talent led her to be in the squad for more friendlies, where she made the starting line up in Denmark’s 3-2 win against Austria. 

She was a part of the Denmark team that played at the 2023 Women’s World Cup, being the youngest player in the squad. Although only playing a few matches with the team after their exit in a tough 2-0 loss against the hosts Australia, Kuhl has shown the world just what the future holds for her, and how much she has to give. 

The WSL is not an easy league to compete in but she has shown just what she can bring to a club. Despite having a lot to learn, she has proved she deserves a spot in the starting line-up and proved herself as an emerging talent for club and country. 

Kathrine is really making the most of her time with Everton, maybe in order to come back to Arsenal at the start of next season and fight for her place in the starting line-up. No one knows what next season will bring for the Danish girl, but this current loan is good for her as it is allowing her to flourish and gain the much needed experience she needs in order to be one of the best. I see a benefit to another full season with the Toffees.

Denmark take on Austria on Wednesday 28th February at 3:30pm (GMT) in a friendly. Kathrine, being in the starting lineup for Denmark’s previous games, should be in the starting 11 for this game, where you can see her amongst some of Denmark’s best.

If you want to see Kuhl in action with the Toffees, then tune into FA Player on the 2nd March to watch them face Manchester City in the WSL – here you will see her versatility and talent on the pitch!

Tony Gustavsson: “Patience and tempo is key”

by Ben Gilby (23/2/24)

Above: Matildas head coach Tony Gustavsson and defender Alanna Kennedy at today’s media conference ahead of the first leg of Australia’s Olympic Games qualifier with Uzbekistan. Image: Football Australia.

Ahead of the first leg of the final round of Olympic qualifiers tomorrow, Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson underlined to the media how his team needs to control the tempo and play smart when they take to the pitch in Tashkent against Uzbekistan.

“We want to bring our game, who we are as a team, and I’m not talking formation…I’m talking the principle of how we play… We’ve looked at different ways of how we can create chances when the space is less. We’re playing with a strong starting lineup but an even stronger finishing lineup as game-changers are key in games like this. Patience and tempo is key in games like this.

“Patience is not about playing slow, it’s about controlling the tempo. Knowing when to play fast, knowing when to play the final pass, knowing when to change the point and wait for the next opening, knowing when to move the opponent to get in behind…we need to work to create them, and the longer the game goes the more the space will open up for the final pass, and we’ve worked a lot on that this week.”

It would not be a Matildas camp without significant hurdles to overcome in the early days of the gathering whether it be long-distance travel, injury worries, or player load. Gustavsson outlined how he and his staff have been working to make things come together as smoothly as possible whilst maximising the short amount of time the players have together.

“We came into this camp with a lot of challenges, some players coming in with a lot of game time and some niggles, others coming in with not a lot of game time and underloaded. It was important for us to find the right sweet spot in training…and the same time we haven’t been together for three months, so we need to get everyone on the same page for these extremely important Olympic qualifiers.

“Now, five days into camp, the players are in a really good spot mentally and physically, so we have a really good feeling coming back into the game tomorrow now.”

Above: Tony Gustavsson speaking to the media earlier today. Image: Football Australia.

One of those players who was at the centre of concern was Steph Catley, who had to leave the pitch for Arsenal last Saturday against Manchester United with a potential concussion. The Australia head coach had good news on the condition of one of his key defenders.

“She was one of those I was really worried about… Arsenal have done a good job taking care of her, and our medical team have done a good job taking care of her, and she’s looking good in training, so no issues there.”

Whilst all eyes have been on the recall of Michelle Heyman to the international set-up after six years away, Gustavsson preferred to focus on the wider group that the legendary striker is part of this time round – one of a collection of new players coming into the squad – and how they are dealing with the step up.

“It’s a huge thing for her (Heyman) to come back after so long away from the national teams, but it is deserved…now, the question is can they bring that up a notch in terms of intensity at international level.

“Some players have adjusted quickly, some adjusted at the end of the week, and some still struggle…it’s a big step from clubland, and I’m not just taking about Heyman here – even those that play at the top clubs can sometimes feel that the intensity and speed of play…that will influence who is available for the game, who will start, and who comes off the bench.”

Whilst many are expecting Uzbekistan to take a defensive formation and set out to frustrate The Matildas tomorrow, Australia’s head coach isn’t so sure with the match being over two legs, and the Central Asian side potentially needing to make the most of that advantage to take a lead into the second leg in front of a sell-out Marvel Stadium in Melbourne on Wednesday.

“That’s the question mark…this is now a qualifier against us on home soil, how will they approach it? We have prepped for a lot of scenarios. They are very well organised and they have been in a very long pre-camp as well. We have a game plan that we want to execute but we have to adapt depending on what is thrown on us.”

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Interview: Chorley Women Chair Janet Mitchell and player Lisa Topping

Impetus is in its fourth season as a content partner with tier four FA Women’s National League Northern Premier side Chorley. Chair Janet Mitchell and our sponsored player Lisa Topping speak to Ben Gilby about the club’s season to date, and the reality of being an outfit in the FAWNL not aligned with a men’s club (23/02/24).

Above: Chorley, with Impetus 71 sponsored Lisa Topping (far left) celebrates a goal against Leeds United this season. Photo: Jon Shirras.

Chorley are a club with skill, determination, and ability that for years now regularly come up against teams with far bigger budgets than themselves, backed by men’s clubs. Yet they continue to battle away, punching way above their weight.

Impetus has sponsored Lisa Topping for four seasons now, with the former Liverpool player returning to the squad this season after giving birth to her daughter. It’s been a period full of challenges for Lisa, but she’s loving being back in the Chorley family again.

“It’s been great returning to the squad since having my daughter,” Lisa said. “It’s always been a dream of mine to have my own child as my mascot, so to be able to fulfill that dream a couple of times already has been amazing.

Above: Impetus 71 sponsored Lisa Topping gets a stunning shot away for Chorley against York City this season. Photo: Jon Shirras.

“The return was a lot tougher than I anticipated, in terms of my fitness and overcoming the new challenges that motherhood brings. I didn’t realise how much my body would adjust and the time it would need to recover and get back to fitness, but the team have supported me every step of the way.

“Juggling my new job of motherhood with football at tier four requires a lot of commitment and travelling long distances and so that’s definitely been a challenge.” 

As the league just passes the halfway mark, Chorley sit just below mid-table, five points clear of the relegation zone. Topping reflected on the campaign to date. “As a team, I think we’ve picked up some great results and also had some results that we thought we’d do better in – which is probably the same for everyone.

“We’re not looking too bad in the table and competing with the bigger clubs in our league. As always, Chorley is full of players who dig deep, crack on, and work hard to churn out those results when things don’t always easily fall into place. An example of this was our FA Cup tie with a very strong, professional Newcastle United side, the team held their own for a large portion of the game and put in a performance to be proud of. 

Above: Impetus 71 sponsored Lisa Topping in action against Leeds United this season. Photo: Jon Shirras.

“For me personally, I was conscious to not set myself any big expectations this year other than to get back into football and enjoy being back. But positively, I feel my performances have been good so I’m happy with my campaign so far.” 

In terms of the challenges that the club have faced on and off the pitch, chair Janet Mitchell emphasised the financial challenges that a club such as Chorley has to juggle with, and the potential impact it can have.

“As a team we have suffered several serious injuries in the season and we have found it difficult to recruit for all three teams mostly due to clubs in the area paying players -something we cannot offer.  At tiers three and four, it’s about who has the most financial backing. The majority of teams in our league are paying players that’s a fact; unfortunately, we just aren’t able to do this. The gap is becoming increasingly bigger.

“Middlesbrough are currently top of our league so I think that speaks volumes for the impact some men’s clubs are having on their women’s teams. 

Above: Celebration time for Chorley against Leeds United this season. Photo: Jon Shirras.

“It’s really difficult for women’s teams to exist at this level without financial backing and usually that comes from their male counterparts. I’m not against the idea at all, in an ideal world every Ccub would have a men’s and women’s team and they would be equals, but let’s be honest that is never going to happen.  

“There isn’t a season that goes by where there isn’t a big story about a men’s club treating a women’s club poorly. What I would like to see is more women’s clubs with youth systems – Regional Talent Centres of their own – rather than women having to necessarily depend on the men’s team and facilities.”

Chorley is run independently of the town’s men’s club of the same name – and their male counterparts have been given significant media coverage in recent times with members of the band Boyzone linked with making an investment in the club. At the present time, with the women’s team a totally separate entity, they would not receive any benefit from this potential financial injection. Mitchell outlines the present relationship between the two clubs.

“They have helped us out twice this season with playing two evening matches at Victory Park. There had been preliminary talks about the future but unfortunately, we are struggling to make contact with them club at the moment. There seems to be a lot going on.”

Mitchell’s aim for the remainder of the season is to enjoy their community-orientated feel – and ensure they can get the funds together to remain a sustainable National League club.

“I want to carry on enjoying the game and supporting the team to get points. Off the pitch, we’re a family-oriented club that runs off of sponsorship and fundraisers and we’ve got another fundraiser coming up that we will be hoping brings us in the vital funds needed to allow us to compete.”

Above: Chorley Women 2023/24 with mascots. Photo: Jon Shirras.

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“We’re not overcome by the occasion”- Amy Sayer and Matildas head to Tashkent

By Kieran Yap 22/2/24

After completing their training camp in Dubai, The Matildas are on the way to Tashkent to play Uzbekistan in the final stage of Olympic qualifying and Amy Sayer says that preparations have been going well.

“It’s as normal,” she told the media of the buildup.

“We’re not overcome by the occasion.”

“Our principles and our tactics that have been set up by the coaching staff have allowed us to keep that focus on ourselves…I think that we’ll be really prepared for it.”

While no expense has been spared in preparation for these matches, one factor will be out of their control. The weather is expected to me much harsher than Dubai with a strong chance of snow. However, Sayer is confident the team can adapt with many including the Swedish based forward  facing similar icy conditions at club level.

“We had quite a bit of snow in the last few weeks in the southern region (of Sweden)” she said. 

“It’ll be very cold, in the negative degrees. 

“We might be losing feeling in our fingers and our toes but I think that it takes a lot of mental fortitude to push through that.

“There will be some differences to how the ball rolls, and how the field feels to us but I think that the strength of this team is so great that can push through those conditions whether it’s two feet’s of snow or whatever else Uzbekistan can throw at us. “

Sayer is well positioned to make an impact this international window. Since narrowly missing a place on the 2023 World Cup squad, she has become more accustomed to the national team environment and expectations. Her move to Damallsvenkan club Kristianstads DFF has also helped her development as a professional. The arrival of fellow Matilda Clare Polkinghorne has also helped. 

“It’s really great to have Polks around. 

“Even though we play different positions I’m Always learning from her. Her demeanour as well is amazing. 

“We have a really young team so it’s great to have the leadership that Polks brings and her experience. I’m learning from her everyday, the younger players are learning from her everyday. She adds a huge benefit to our team.”

One of the big areas of interest for Matildas fans is how the team will set up in attack in the absence of Sam Ker . We could see a similar setup to the Workd Cup group stage, but the additions of Michelle Heyman, Chloe Logarzo and Sophie Harding mean that the best firepower from the A-League Women are at Tony Gustavsson’s disposal, but Sayer is also ready to step up if called upon. She was impressive in the first stage of Olympic qualification, dominant for Australia’s Under 23 side in 2022 and a showed plenty of attacking potential against Canada. Many observers feel that she is primed to make an impact soon.

She says the team will obviously miss their captain but are as prepared as possible.

“I think that the tactics of the team and the principles that have been laid down since the beginning of Tony’s tenure have really helped us close that gap a little bit.

“I know that I play a similar position and I know that I have been the substitute for her (Sam.

“I’m that 9/10 role in attacking midfield. I’m not trying to fill her shoes exactly because she is that special player. 

“But I think I have similar qualities and some different ones as well that can help provide a benefit to the team.”

Inside the Matildas: Mackenzie Arnold and Kaitlyn Torpey look ahead to Uzbekistan challenge

by Ben Gilby (21/2/24).

Above: Australia and West Ham United goalkeeper Mackenzie Arnold speaking to the media earlier today. Image: Football Australia.

Mackenzie Arnold: “I feel I belong now”

Mackenzie Arnold has been part of the Matildas set-up for over a decade – but the West Ham United shot stopper revealed to the media today that it’s only been over the last few months that she finally feels like she belongs at the highest level of the game.

“I still don’t think I can really wrap my head around what we’ve done, not just for football, but for Australia too,” reflected the World Cup hero.

“I think it’s so crazy that only 12 months ago I was playing in the Cup of Nations, taking my chance and I didn’t really know what would follow. To see what we’ve done and achieved as a team, and to be a part of is something I’m so grateful for and something I will always hold close to my heart.”

The goalkeeper’s emergence as a key member of the Matildas team ran parallel to that of Clare Hunt’s fairytale journey from Western Sydney Wanderers to a World Cup semi-final and a major European move. Arnold feels a deep empathy and pride in the way the pair have become international stars together.

“When Clare stepped in, it was kind of the same time as me, and I think it feels cool for us to sort of go through those processes together, and really cement that backline together.”

After her run of sensational performances at the World Cup, and the rocketing profile she has personally and collectively as part of the Matildas, Arnold believes she has finally arrived as one of the best goalkeepers around at the top level.

“As a player I feel I’ve grown a lot, with my confidence. I believe that I belong now. I’ve been here for 10-plus years now, and it’s only in the last year or so I’ve really cemented my spot, so I’m confident now and feel like I belong.”

The 29-year-old’s World Cup experiences led to the honour of being named as West Ham United’s new captain going into the WSL season and the goalkeeper underlined how she now sees herself as someone to assist with the development of the next generation of top players, in the same way that teammates aided her when she was making her way in the game.

“It’s definitely a new challenge. I’ve always wanted to be a leader, and I feel the last four years at West Ham have been leading towards that, and I feel I’m someone that the girls can look up to. We’ve got quite a young team. In the past, I always liked to look up to someone. It’s such a privilege to lead West Ham out and something I hope will continue for many years.”

Whilst the Matildas will go into this two-legged tie as red-hot favourites to take the spot in the Olympic Games, Arnold knows that Uzbekistan pose a new and unique challenge. Patience will be the watchword.

“We’ve never really versed Uzbekistan before, we’ve been working closely with the coaching team, focussing on ourselves and seeing what it brings…We need to stay switched on. It’s quite easy to lose focus in these types of games, especially as a goalkeeper and you don’t get as much of the ball. Just making sure we’re staying with the play, leading with the ball, communicating with each other. You never really know what will happen in these sorts of games.”

Kaitlyn Torpey: “It’s a dream”

Above: Kaitlyn Torpey speaking to the media today. Image: Football Australia.

It’s been an incredible couple of weeks for 23-year-old defender Kaitlyn Torpey. A record transfer fee paid by San Diego Wave to transfer her to the NWSL has been followed by her first senior Matildas call-up.

“I’m loving it. It’s been such an eye-opening experience for me,” the centre-back said. “It’s crazy to see how big of a difference the level is, and how much more intense it is…you have to make decisions quicker, in general, the fitness is a lot more.

Torpey further emphasised the step-up required to flourish at the international level when she revealed: “It’s always going to be a shock to the system, especially we did an internal game today. Everyone was like ‘that was pretty easy’, but I was, like ‘ooh it was quite hard!'”

However, the former Melbourne City defender outlined just how much being part of the U23 set-up has prepared her for the more technical nature of game plans and what can be expected of her on the pitch. She spoke warmly of the influence of both Mel Andreatta and Tony Gustavsson on the success of that pathway.

“It was massive Mel tried to give across the game plan of how they want to play – how the Matildas play and its been way easier to quickly learn the set-up here. Obviously back with Mel and Tony…I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for U23. Bridging the pathway to the Matildas has been so much better.”

It’s not just the coaches that Torpey has been learning from. San Diego’s newest signing knows she has some of the world’s best players in her position around her in the shape of Steph Catley and Ellie Carpenter – and she is drinking in every possible piece of knowledge they can provide her with.

“It’s a dream, and it’s been very overwhelming since I’ve been here, but I’ve tried to relax as much as possible and take it all in. I want to be as present as possible and learn from everyone here. You are also surrounded by such amazing players, and you don’t realise how good they are until you see them in training…I’m asking the girls what I can improve on and what they need from me in this environment.”

Torpey believes that this call-up has come at a unique time – and one she wants to make the most of as she rides on the wave of World Cup inspiration. “I’m really hoping to get some game time…but I’m so excited to see what it’s like with a full sellout crowd. The biggest crowd I’ve played against is around 2,000, maybe 11,000, but this is nothing compared to this. In the World Cup I was sitting in the stands, now I’m a part of it.

“I’m really fortunate to come in now after what the girls did at the World Cup…and hopefully cement my spot in here. For young girls to come up into this and see the potential of what they’ve brought for Australia, but also what you can do as a player, and I think I’m in that stage now where I’m good enough to be here, but I can see the level I need to be to start competing with these players and the level up…I’m very fortunate to be here at this time.”

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Norfolk Wrap

Above: Hope Strauss (pictured) scored twice for Norwich City in their 7-0 win vs Dussindale and Hellesdon. Credit – Norwich City Women FC

Norfolk Women’s Cup Quarter Finals

Tier Four Norwich City were 7-0 winners over Tier Six Dussindale and Hellesdon at The Nest. Rachel Lawrence and Hope Strauss scored a brace each with Megan Todd, Eloise Morran and Holly Kennard scored the remaining goals.

Tier Five Wroxham also recorded a 7-0 win away to Tier Seven Caister. Hannah Fuller scored a brace with Lucy Eagle, Lara Densley, Luci Middleton, Tigi Robson and Chelsea Clarke all getting a goal each.

The two other Quarter Final ties Mulbarton Wanderers vs Kings Lynn Town and Sprowston vs Fakenham Town were both postponed due to waterlogged pitches and will now be played this coming Sunday 25th February.

Above: Lauren Goulder (Blue) scored the opening goal for Bungay Town in their 5-0 win at Costessey Sports. Credit – Steve Wood

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division One

With Caister In cup action Mulbarton Wanderers Development went back to the Top of Tier Seven with a 7-0 win over Thorpe St Andrew thanks to a brace from Emma Farmer and goals from Jade Telfer, Megan Anderton, Ella Cattermole, Mary-Anne Hoy and Lucy Kean.

Bungay Town remains a title contender following an impressively comfortable 5-0 away win at Costessey Sports. Lauren Goulder, Brooke Osborne, Charnelle Riggall, Mia Rose and Abigail Bell each scored a goal.

Aylsham were 2-1 winners at Kings Lynn Soccer Club thanks to an Own Goal and a winner from Rhiannon Dack. Jordan Turner scored for Kings Lynn Soccer Club.

The game between Long Stratton and University of East Anglia was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.

Above: Charnelle Riggall (Captain) scored Bungay Towns third goal in their 5-0 win at Costessey Sports on Sunday. Credit – Steve Wood

Norfolk Women and Girls League Division Two

Bure Valley were 5-0 winners at home to FC Viking Valkyries thanks to braces from Emma Macmillan and Maisie Redgrave with Willow Nye getting the other goal. Its a win that sees Bure Valley go back top of Tier Eight.

Mundford were 3-2 winners at Waveney thanks to a brace from Ellen Kerbey with the other goal coming from Niamh Underhill. Chloe Dobson scored a brace for Waveney.

The games between Horsford Harriers and Freethorpe, Red Rose and Horsford Hurricanes plus the game between Shrublands and Martham were all postponed.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division One

Left Field were 7-1 winners over thanks to a hat-trick each from Meadbh Flynn and Sophie Grosse with Sarah Hulme getting the other goal. Maria Palmer scored for Waveney.

The game between Mulbarton Wanderers and Dussindale and Hellesdon was postponed.

Norfolk Women and Girls League 7’s Division Two

The game between Madra and Bulldogs FC was postponed.

Above: Bure Valley coach and captain Emma Macmillan (left) scored a brace in Bure Valley’s 5-0 win vs FC Viking Valkyries on Sunday. Credit: Shay Porter.

‘You won’t know when your time is but be ready when it comes.’- Clare Hunt on the road (back) to Paris

Matildas and Paris St Germain defender Clare Hunt spoke to the media as Australia attempts Olympic qualification. Should they succeed, she’ll be on home turf.

By Emma Burke 21/2/24

Photo: Clare Hunt via Football Australia

Clare Hunt has had a whirlwind 12 months, debuting for the Matildas in February, playing every minute of a historic home World Cup run, signing with Paris Saint-Germain, playing in the Champions League, and now, is staring down the barrel of qualifying for the Olympics. 

She spoke to the media ahead of the Matildas’ first of two final qualifying games against Uzbekistan about all of this and more.

“Everyday I inch a little bit closer to understanding what’s going on, some days I’m waking up and I’m like ‘what are you doing in Paris? How did this happen?’ said Hunt.

“Being over at a club like that [Paris Saint Germain] it’s been a steep learning curve, there’s such quality and high expectations, but for me that’s what I thrive off.”

Since joining the top-flight French club in September, Hunt has featured in 17 games, six of which have been in the Women’s Champions League. PSG has now booked a spot in the Quarter Finals where they’ll face BK Häcken, a Swedish team that fellow Matilda Aivi Luik currently plays for. 

While living in Paris, Hunt has started what she called the exceptionally slow process of learning French. She declined to show off any of what she’s learnt so far, claiming that her accent makes the language difficult to translate back into English.

“It’s nice to have a little outlet outside football where I can apply myself and personally develop in a way that’s stimulating for me outside of the football space.”

Hunt revealed that just six months before her debut with the Matildas she had started her Doctorate of Physiotherapy at Macquarie University back in Australia, something she has always had a keen interest in.

“I’m very interested in that side of things and applying myself academically quite a lot. It was something that I was doing whilst managing football and playing in the A-Leagues at the time,” she said.

Her doctorate has since been put on the back-burner, as she’s a little busy now that she’s a full-time professional athlete, which was always her goal. 

The next goal for Clare Hunt? Olympic qualification. With the tournament being hosted in Paris, Hunt has had a different view than most, seeing the infrastructure being put up in real time, and all the advertising has hit her with the reality of the situation much harder.

All that stands in her way from becoming an Olympian is Uzbekistan, a country that Australia are fairly unfamiliar with on a national footballing stage, but one that Hunt believes the Matildas are capable of handling.

“We’re working on how to counteract their capacities and also continue to work on ours too. Although they’re unfamiliar, we’ve had fairly good experience against other Asian countries which will help us prepare.”

It’s been a rollercoaster of a year for Clare Hunt, one that she’s taken in stride. She’s learnt a lot about playing football at a fully-professional level, grasping opportunities with both hands, and (the beginnings) of a whole new language. 

Most importantly, Hunt has been able to finally reap the rewards of all her hard work.  

“It’s almost been a year of reprieve and enjoyment and a reward for all the hours I had put in. I never saw it manifest because I was always rehabbing injuries, it’s taught me that you won’t know when your time is but be ready when it comes.” 

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The Lionesses latest news ahead of their upcoming fixtures.

Above :Katie Robinson, Lucy Bronze, Niamh Charles, Lauren James, Georgia Stanway and Alessia Russo in a training
camp before the WWC Credits: Ben Phillips

By Freya Ward (19/02/24)

With the Lionesses meeting up for their first camp of 2024 where they will be heading over to Spain for a warm weather training camp. It is important that you are filled in with all the latest news ahead of their two friendly fixtures against Italy and Austria. 

Last Tuesday England Head coach Sarina Wiegman named her 23-player squad for their upcoming fixtures. The first squad of 2024 saw just two changes from the last time the team met up, seeing Captain, Leah Williamson was named 10 months after her gruelling ACL injury that saw her missing England’s World cup run last summer, in place of Millie Bright, who is still sidelined due to a recurring knee injury. In a sad turn of events, Williamson was forced to withdraw from a seperate issue related to her hamstring.

This month’s squad also saw the return of Manchester City youngster Jess Park, a semi-familiar face to lioness fans, who is on her way to cementing her place in this England squad; Park replaced Katie Zelem a midfielder who has seen herself in and out of the squad over the past couple of years.

I asked Wiegman about this choice to which she replied, “she (Zelem) has shown what she has done for the team, I’m just picking all our midfielders now I want to see them this camp and from there we will take it,” highlighting the chance for experimentation within this international window. 

Aside from Williamson’s withdrawal, another major headline was the absence of Manchester united top goal scorer this season Nikita Parris. Parris was a part of the 2022 European championship winning squad but has since seen herself dropped from the squad on several occasions.

Wiegman said “In autumn, she didn’t play that much and, because of the competition, too, I made other decisions. Now, since the New Year, she’s played in the No.9 position, and she’s done really well. Of course, we’ve noticed that too, so I had a little chat with her, and I hope she shows consistency, because we’re talking about her again, but I made some other choices now for this camp with the players we have. They have done really well, too. It was a hard decision.” 

Parris’ form has been nothing short of exceptional this season scoring 13 goals and picking up two assists in 17 matches for her club side, whilst Alessia Russo the most obvious competition for the number 9 spot has only scored 8 goals and just one more assist than Parris in 19 matches- in all competitions for Arsenal- which has left a lot of people questioning Wiegman’s choice not to call Parris up due to lack of consistency whilst she has shown much more than Russo. 

Leah Williamson’s withdrawal from the squad due to the injury that kept her out of Arsenals game against Manchester United at the weekend and has resulted in the call up of Millie Turner.

She is a newer face to the squad having received her first call up under Wiegman for December’s fixtures against The Netherlands and Scotland but is yet to receive minutes, so this ‘experimental’ camp is the perfect opportunity for Turner to receive her first minutes for her country. 

Wiegman emphasised that this camp will be one full of experimentation due to both matches being friendlies, suggesting that we will see some squad rotation, something that fans have not seen too much of, recently given the stakes of England’s recent games.  

Something key to note is the inclusion of the Under 23’s this month, the squad will be travelling with the senior players and will be training within close quarters where Wiegman can keep a close eye on the pool of young talent that she can choose from. Some notable names within this squad include Chelsea superstar Aggie Beever-Jones, Aston Villa’s Ebony Salmon and one of Wiegman’s world cup squad members Katie Robinson. This is something that Wiegman is really looking forward to saying “We think it is really good that we can watch them live, not just on footage it’s a great opportunity to be this close to them” so I think it is safe to say that England fans will be seeing more youngsters filtering their way into the senior squad very soon.

From a fans perspective I am really looking forward to this international window and I am excited to watch players who don’t play regular international minutes have a chance to prove themselves and cement their place in this Lionesses squad ahead of the European Championships next summer, where England will be looking to defend their title. 

‘That fire is still burning for that medal’- Clare Polkinghorne

By Emma Burke 19/2/24

Matildas defender Clare Polkinghorne has spoken to the media ahead of their final qualification games for the Paris Olympics later this year.

Polkinghorne spoke on the team’s preparation for facing Uzbekistan in Tashkent later this week, the return of some very familiar faces to the squad, and what she and the Matildas are hoping for from Paris.

“They’re going to be ready for a strong game,” said Polkinghorne about the Matildas’ next opponents.

“We’re going to prepare like we do with any game, we’ll watch some video and get the information we need from the staff.”

“It’s going to be a massive challenge, one that I know we’re ready for,” she said.

On the return of Michelle Heyman after five years away from international football after her retirement, and the call up of Chloe Logarzo who last featured in the Matildas’ squad in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics (which was held in 2021), Polkinghorne had only praises to sing.

“They’ll fit back in like they never left, that’s the beauty of this team, it is like a family and we have strong bonds with each other,” she said.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing them both back in the Matildas’ colours.”

If the Matildas do qualify for the Olympic games, Polkinghorne revealed that the team is after a medal, specifically the gold one.

“That fire is still burning for that medal, that gold, and I know that’s what everyone here is wanting to achieve,” said Polkinghorne.

“We’re extremely competitive, we want to be the best.”

Despite having their eyes on the prize, she stressed that there is no room for tunnel vision amongst the squad, and that being present in every moment was going to be key for the Matildas’ success.

“If you’re too focused on the outcome, you do get a little distracted and can lose your way in the process.”

“For us, we’re taking it one step at a time and in front of us are the Olympic Qualifiers.”

The Matildas face Uzbekistan in the first of two Olympic Qualifiers on Saturday 24 February at the Milliy Stadium, Tashkent, which kicks off at 8pm AEDT.

Match Report: AFC Wimbledon 2-1 Millwall Lionesses

Above: Impetus’ Sponsored player Poppy Payne against AFC Wimbledon Photo: Myles Thornton

By Myles Thornton 19/2/4

National League outfit AFC Wimbledon Women beat fifth tier side Millwall Lionesses 2-1 in the quarter finals of the Capital Cup on Sunday.

AFC Wimbledon manager Kevin Foster made 4 changes to his side who beat Chesham United 4-0 the previous week. Fran Ali, Hannah Billingham, Ashleigh Goddard, and Skye Bacon were replaced by Steph Mann, Chloe Sampson, Molly Childerhouse and Sandra Soares Martins.

Millwall co-managers Alex Russell and Adam Rowland made two changes to the side who drew late on to Sutton United the previous week. Melissa Jones and Maizi Garwood came into the side with Ella Bailey and Liv McGregor dropping out of the squad and onto the bench respectively.

The game got going and the quality was showing, AFC Wimbledon having chance after chance, the first of which being a really good one. Molly Childerhouse’s shot was well controlled by Chrissie Wiggins in the Millwall net.

Three minutes later, Millwall had a great chance to get their noses in front but, Shannan Drewe’s shot was saved well by The Dons’ keeper, Lauren Allen.

The Wombles took the lead after 11 minutes. Emily Donovan saw her shot slip through the fingers of Millwall stopper Wiggins to fire her side into an early lead.

Wimbledon made it two just 11 minutes later. After a good bit of build up play, Ellie Dorey shot the ball over the head of Chrissie Wiggins and was fortunate for it to creep in the top of the net.

When the halftime whistle blew, the Dons would think they had a comfortable lead to easily hang onto in the second half. However, whatever was said by Alex Russell and Adam Rowland in the half time team talk worked. Liv McGregor came on for Ellen Napper and the Lionesses came out a different side, and the performance levels were upped.

With 30 minutes left to play, Shannan Drewe’s corner was turned in by first half goal scorer Ellie Dorey when she attempted to clear it away from danger. The lionesses were close to a sensational comeback.

On 84 minutes, Chloe Burr’s shot was saved on the line by dons’ goalkeeper Lauren Allen. Calls that the ball was over the line, nothing given however.

Heading into the 90th minute, Millwall striker Liv McGregor and Dons keeper Lauren Allen were both injured in a coming together on the edge of the area. It was later confirmed that there was a clash of heads, with Allen requiring hospital treatment. On behalf of everyone at Impetus 71 we wish her a speedy recovery so she can be back between the sticks soon.

The game ended, and AFC Wimbledon progressed into the Capital Cup semi-finals. Millwall Lionesses will now focus on their London & South East Regional Women’s League campaign, with a home tie next against Saltdean United on Sunday February 25th.

AFC Wimbledon: Allen, Russell, Mann, Highman (C), Hincks, Sampson, Mackenzie, Childerhouse, Donovan, Soares Martins, Dorey. Subs: Baker, Carter, Gardner, Goddard, Bacon.

Scorers: Donovan 11′, Dorey 22′

Millwall Lionesses: Wiggins, Jones, Huseyin, Seely (C), Payne, Chapman, Napper, Garwood Grandys, Watling, Drewe. Subs: Joyce, Burr, Bennett, Butler, McGregor.

Scorer: Dorey OG 60′

Referee: Abi Oyeleke

Attendance: TBC

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