Player Interview: Chelsea Keane

Posted on 07. Aug, 2012 by Stephen Kennedy in Features

I have watched this young lady a few times this season and she just improves with every match. A few weeks back I suggested to Troon Manager Andrew Reith that this girl would go far and he agreed. After her match against Kilwinning on Sunday, Andrew was full of praise for her as she filled in at left-back after she had a fantastic match, so much so that her fellow players voted her the Players’ Player of the Match. Considering the quality on show in the Troon team, this was a fantastic achievement.

So let’s find out what makes her tick!

Name: Chelsea Keane.

Chelsea Keane. Image by Stephen Kennedy

Age: 18.

Home Town: New Cumnock.

Employment/Education: Kilmarnock Sports College

Club: Troon Ladies.

Position: Anywhere!

Time at club: One year.

Previous clubs: FC Killie Ladies.

Favourite meal/drink: Pasta/tea.

Favourite TV show/film: Lion King.

Favourite Pop star or band: Jessie J & Drake.

What team do you support: Manchester United.

Tell us your thoughts on today’s match please: We always knew it would be a difficult game considering the date and also the Ayrshire derby. I think we did well to come back from 2-0 down to lead by 3-2 but disappointed we couldn’t hold on to the lead. Our overall performance was great though and everyone in the team played well.

Tell us how you got involved in football: Through school teams and the local games hall I got noticed by a member of Killie Ladies who asked me to come along to training.

Do you think youngsters your age are aware that there are girls football clubs in their area: Yeah, I’m from a small area so there are not many girls interested in football. However a new girls team is in the process of being set up.

Who were your heroes that gave you the inspiration to take up the sport: David Beckham, I loved watching him on TV and thought he was amazing.

What have you achieved from the sport – awards, cups, medals: Player Of The Year, Young Player Of The Year, League Winners, League Cup Winners, 5-a-side Winners, Most Consistent Player, Goal Of The Season. And hopefully there are more to come.

What would you like to achieve in the game: Hopefully through both the team and college I will be able to improve my game enough to get a scholarship and play in America.

What appeals to you about playing football/What do you enjoy about it: I love the nervous feeling I get before any match and the competitive atmosphere. Also how a team is not only a team but you make friends for life and become like a family.

Any thoughts of becoming a coach/manager: It is possible. I think if I became a coach I’d rather teach younger girls and allow them the experience I have had.

What is your best experience or memory from the game: When I was 11 scoring from a kick out whilst playing keeper for Killie U13′s which resulted in goal of the season for our whole league.

And your worst: Losing to Hamilton Accies in the final of the League Cup 2009 at Tory Glen.

Toughest opponent player/team: Glasgow City.

Favourite ground you have played on: New Broomfield, Airdrie’s home ground.

Do the club supply your football strip or is this something you have to purchase: The club provide home, away and third kits as well as training kits and warm up tops however we purchase our own tracksuits.

Do you think the women’s game gets the coverage it deserves: Not really, a lot of people are unaware of the women’s game.

What can be done to promote the women’s game: Club representatives should tour schools, youth clubs etc. to make them more aware of girls football teams and encourage them to participate.

How would you compare the women’s game to the men’s: I think it is very much the same with less publicity and support. I’d like to see some of the men try and beat the women.

Do you think that web sites such as SWFITBA are good for the game: Yes, it is good to see women’s football is beginning to have an impact and hopefully this will advance to a higher level of support and coverage.

What can the website do to increase people’s awareness of the game: Advertise on other sports websites.

SWFitba – Many thanks for taking the time to participate in our interview Chelsea and I wish you every success for the future.