Derby County - The Rams

I can't say that I was too aware that when I hit 12 I would have to move away from the normal league and Riverside Jets. It's a rule that is often contested, and in deed my Mum did raise questions, but 'rules is rules' and I had to go and find a girls team. I was sad to leave the lads, but they did give me a wonderful leaving present of my shirt and a signed card.

I was lucky that I had already been approached by a few girls teams who had seen me playing in tournaments with 'Neils Angels' - Save that for another post But, me being me - I wanted to trial for a 'Centre of Excellence'. I decided to go for Derby County. The trials took place over three dates, and I was successful.

I played for Derby County for five years. Training twice a week with games on the Saturday. The first year we were in the Midland league playing the likes of Birmingham, Leicester and Aston Villa. After that the league boundaries changed and Derby were in the North West league (????). This suited me well with my Grandparents and other family living in the North West. Away games became away weekends. as we travelled to Liverpool, Everton, Manchester United etc. The games were harder in the North West league, but I liked that because it made me a better player.

When we played under 15's we were invited to Charlotte USA to be in a tournament, so of course we went, what an amazing opportunity this was for me and my team mates. I didn't think it at the start, however the american game of football 'soccer' is very different compared to how we play 4000 miles away back home. As female soccer is dominated sport in the USA there standard was quite a bit better up the ladder then ours had been previously, to say this we still gave every team a run for their money, and won most our matches, getting knocked out in the semi-finals on a very stormy day, so much so that we had to pause the game due to the thunder and lightening threat, which only ever added to the nerves we were feeling, however allowed us to think about the great experience we were having out there. Overall, America was the greatest thing that happened to our team as far as the teams concerned, as we all got along very well and all became very comfortable with each other fairly quickly, as we were all very good friends in the first place, it only made our relationships stronger, which benefited us both as individuals and a team, which showed in our performances on the field whilst we were away.