#GameChangers: Emma McMaster, NI U19 Women’s Football
As a proud sponsor of the UEFA Women’s under 19 Championship 2017 taking place from 8 – 20 August, and as part of a wider campaign to support #GameChangers within women’s football and beyond, Electric Ireland NI caught up with the Northern Ireland U19 captain, Emma McMaster, to hear how her and the team are finding their experience of the Championship.
“The Championship is a great opportunity for women’s football. It’s the first European finals any U19 Women’s Northern Irish team have participated in, so to be able to lead out the team at Windsor Park [the team’s first game will be played against Spain on Tuesday 8th August at Windsor Park] is unbelievable,” says Emma McMaster.
Emma has been playing football from a very young age and, when speaking to her, it is clear that football is a sport that has been enjoyed by her and her family over the years.
“It was mainly my sister who inspired me to play football. From the age of four I would have played football out the back garden with her,” she says.
Northern Ireland U19 Team
Almost 15 years later, it is probably hard for Emma to believe that she is now playing on a national level and as the captain of the Northern Ireland U19 team. However, the young footballer seems to be taking everything in her stride and is determined that the team will give the championship all they have got.
“I would like us to give a good performance,” says Emma. “We’ve worked hard as a team in the lead up to the tournament and will continue to work hard throughout it. We’re looking forward to getting out there and showing the rest of Europe what we can do.”
Emma’s Sporting Tips
When we asked Emma what inspiration she would share with any young girls following in her footsteps, she says, “Go out and enjoy it. Keep working hard and if you want it bad enough it will happen for you.”
Of course, for any budding footballer it is important to look after themselves and when speaking to Emma she did share some of her best tips: “Get lots of rest and make sure you recover well after every game. Make sure your body is prepared by eating what is healthy and good for you.”
A True Game Changer
At such a young age it is impressive to see someone like Emma lead a team and give so much commitment to the sport. She will no doubt inspire many young girls and be a game changer for women’s football and sport. With that in mind, we asked Emma to share who the #GameChangers in her life have been over the years:
“When I was younger my personal game changers would have been the likes of Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard,” says Emma. “However, now the senior women’s team have improved so much, I definitely look to them for inspiration.”
Have you any personal #GameChangers? Share any on Facebook or Twitter page by using the hashtag #GameChangers and be sure to follow the Northern Ireland U19 team as they represent!
Through our Club Game Changers scheme you can support your local football club when you switch to Electric Ireland. Your selected club will get £25 and you save up to £50 when you switch. Find out more here.