Article by Gary Jordan
Team photo courtesy of Luke Plastow - Plastow Photography
The Great Britain Women’s
Team fly out to Spain this weekend in search of European glory. Their rise to
this stage has been nothing short of incredible and even though they are very
humbled by being part of this six nation event, they are determined to not be
there just to make up the numbers.
However the odds have been stacked against them somewhat
with the draw not being all that kind. They will kick off the Championships, at
the Estadio Maracena in Granada where all the games will be played, this Monday
morning against a powerhouse of Women’s football, Germany. Following this will
be another stern test when four days later they face Sweden. Whatever the
outcome of those games they will play at least one more game as the tournament
rounds off next Saturday when three games will be played to determine the 1-6
places.
Something that Team GB will have to their advantage is that
they have had the finest of preparations, as they have had three mini-camp days
under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Jim Messenger and his group of staff.
"We are absolutely delighted with the draw. To play the
first ever game in this new event against the German national team is a real
honour. Germany has the largest female American football league in Europe with
a history that goes back over 20 years. Great Britain, by contrast, are the
newcomers out of all the competing nations having played for less than three
years. The other five nations have all taken part in at least one of the
Women's World Championship events held in 2010 and 2013. This will be Team GB's
first international tournament.” Coach Messenger told the BAFA Women’s official
Facebook page.
"Of course, Germany will be massive favourites to win
this game", said Messenger, "But we are really excited just to be
taking part in the event." He continued; "It's been a real whirlwind
start-up for women's football in Britain and we feel we have progressed very
well, with the friendly fixture win over Sweden last year and the recent win
over Russia to qualify for this tournament. But we know we still have a lot to
learn even just about taking part in international tournaments."
Just before the Women
flew out we managed to catch up with a few of them to hear how they felt about
being called up and representing their country.
Verity Snell, LB,
Derby Braves
“When I got the email confirming my place on the GB squad
for the Women’s European Championships I felt truly honoured to be able to
represent British American Football and BAFA’s women’s programme. I feel very
proud of the team and everything we’ve achieved to date, but also of myself,
for having come so far in such a short space of time.”
Jayne Goodliffe, LB,
Unisgned
I was on my way to work when I found out I had made the team
for Spain and for the rest of the day I had the biggest grin on my face. The
whole summer has been a great experience and the opportunity to represent my
country is very exciting. We’ve a mammoth task ahead of us, and for me - to
learn all the rules, terminology and how to really get to grips with the
linebacker position - is going to be an immense challenge, but one I’m really
looking forward to.”
Julia Robinson, DB,
Solent Thrashers
“The chance to represent your country playing a sport you
love doesn't get any less special with time or with repetition and neither does
the sense of anticipation. It gives me tingles all down the back of my neck, of
excitement and eagerness, but also of pride to be part of such a strong team. I
think coaches, staff and players all feel the magnitude of responsibility we
carry going into this tournament for present and future generations of football
for women in this country. The team spirit which comes from that shared feeling
is something I hope will drive our players to produce some really special
performances.”
Lindsey Robson, OL,
Teesside Steelers
“Looking around at the final Diamond Series* day this year
was the moment I realised how much I wanted that spot in Spain, there were
around 17 linemen that day all vying for a place on the plane. As a unit we had
a break before the game and I said to the girls "…this is it, last chance
to show them what you've got and I'm telling you, I’m on that plane to Spain,
who else is coming?" When I got the selection letter I was elated and I
felt ready. Today I feel like this is what I've been building for. This
tournament will build a great future for women’s football in our country and I'm
proud to be one of the original foundations, hopefully paving the way for
future generations from Great Britain to go on and represent across future
European and even World Championships.”
Jo Kilby, QB,
Birmingham Lions
“I’m excited, not nervous yet, but I’m sure I will be, come
game day – when the magnitude of what we’re trying to do and who we’re playing
sinks in, but in the interim, I’m just thinking I can’t wait to bring our brand
of football to these Championships. We’re inexperienced, this sport is totally
new for women in the UK and we’ll be the underdogs for sure but what an
opportunity this is to test ourselves, as a group, and that’s what I’m living
for right now, to stand shoulder to shoulder with my team-mates and to see just
what is it we’re capable of. “
Elaine Vassie, Staff,
Communications Officer
“Having initially attended BAFA’s first Development Days
back in 2013 my relocation to Texas ironically prevented me from pursuing
football with GB in the way I would have liked. I’d kept a close eye on the
amazing progress the program and many friends involved in it were making both
on a club and national stage and was continuously impressed with the level of
professionalism. When I returned to the UK I received a call from GB Women’s
Head Coach Jim Messenger, asking if I’d be interested in taking on the
Communications Officer role for the team’s European challenge. More than a
little surprised I of course said yes. I couldn't have been happier for the
opportunity to be involved with the program – this team is a fantastic group of
players and staff, and pulling on a shirt in any capacity with a GB logo on it
will be an absolute privilege”
* The Diamond Series are BAFA’s 11-aside Development Days
and represent the pathway to Great Britain selection.
Tournament Schedule
GROUP A – AUSTRIA, FINLAND, AND SPAIN.
GROUP B – GERMANY, GREAT BRITAIN, SWEDEN.
Sunday August 2nd
Great Britain v Germany – 10.30am
Finland v Spain – 21.00
Tuesday August 4th
Sweden v Great Britain – 10.30
Spain v Austria – 21.00
Thursday August 6th
Germany v Sweden – 10.30
Austria v Finland – 21.00
Saturday August 8th
5th/6th place game – 09.00
3rd/4th place game – 12.00
Final – 21.00
All games will be streamed live via the Official
Championships Facebook page, for more details you can find that here https://www.facebook.com/wec2015Spain?fref=ts
We wish to thank Jo Kilby, Jim Messenger, and all of the
Team GB players and staff for their help in putting this preview together and
wish them all the best in their efforts over the next week.
