The Lionesses’ Euro win over the summer has given the Kingston Cougars extra motivation as the new season begins.
The England win has inspired women of all ages, young girls want to grow up to be the next Beth Mead or Milly Bright.
Cougars team captain Abigail Woolvin said: “The lionesses have always been role models to me growing up. To see them win the Euros shows if you work hard and believe, you can achieve anything.
“I also watch their positioning and how they play. I do this because I then try this myself in my training and games.”
The way the nation got together for the Euro win has proved that football is moving in the right direction, towards equality. Woolvin said this is just the start.
“This is only just the beginning and I feel women’s football is going to take off massively.
“Seeing the attendance records being broken at WSL matches and international matches is incredible.
“I’ve even noticed at my club, AFC Whyteleafe we have loads of great supporters that come to every game if it’s home or away.”
So what are the Kingston Cougars chances for this season?
Woolvin said: “The motivation and dedication to win and play in the team is great.
“Unfortunately, due to covid last year and other university teams postponing we were unable to play most of our games.
“This year however, we are very excited as a team to work hard and play every game we can.
“I believe no matter the score line, win or loss there’s always positives to take from every game.”
With great power comes great responsibility, and being captain is never an easy task.
“I feel being captain is important. Encouraging and supporting others is so important for growing confidence in the team.
“Women’s football is taking off and I’m sure lots of young girls are looking up to role model England captain Leah Williamson and thinking I want to do the same,” said Woolvin.
The passion and motivation are certainly present within the team, and if they achieve anything close to the Lionesses’ success then they will have done us all proud.
Konstantinos Patas