As part of a campaign to break the perceptions that exist around women’s football and to support #GameChangers within women’s football, Electric Ireland NI is delighted to be highlighting individuals who are blazing a trail for women in sport and in other fields. People like Grace…
Interview with Grace, star of the Electric Ireland NI #GameChangers TV Ad
There are not many 11 year old girls who can hold their own on the football pitch but Grace Montgomery, star of the new Electric Ireland NI #GameChangers TV Advert, certainly doesn’t come across as any ordinary girl. Having fallen in love with football at a young age, Grace has continued to play the sport and has proven she is quite the expert at putting a ball at the back of the net.
During filming of the Electric Ireland NI #GameChangers advert we spoke to Grace to find out what drove her to play football and what has kept her committed to the sport.
“My first experience of football was when my dad brought me to First Kicks at Valley Leisure centre. I enjoyed it and I was good at it. Then he took me to Crusaders and I just kept playing [Grace now plays for Crusaders Diamonds, a girls’ football team that her Dad coaches].”
When speaking to Grace it is evident that her Dad has played a huge part in her football journey and has been an inspiration to her over the years.
“My Dad was a centre forward and always put the ball in the back of the net. He has taught me a lot… He can beat me at keep uppys,” she giggles, “but I think it would be tight between us.”
When asked what advice she would give to others keen to get into football, Grace says, “Keep going with the sport and don’t give up. Go to every training session you can go to and if you can’t go then make up for it in your spare time.”
Football Tips
Grace’s success at football might also have something to do with the fact that she is just as committed off the pitch as she is on it.
“Sometimes I play outside in my garden … I’ll do keep-ups, turns, flicks, sprints… that sort of stuff,” she says.
Her commitment has certainly paid off, with the young player picking up a few great football techniques over the years.
“I have learnt that it is a case of improving your touch. If you are moving fast then you need to be in a position to be “at touch” and have control, “ she says, “A good touch and a decent pass is pretty much key.”
Grace also has a good luck charm she adopts before every match:
“I have to check my laces at least four times before a match - at least two times off the pitch and two times on the pitch. It’s now a force of habit.”
Grace and her Teammates
Like any good footballer, Grace knows the importance of playing as part of a team and sharing any highs and lows with her teammates.
“I like being with my friends when playing football. It’s good craic trying to win together… You’ve worked hard to get to that point so it does feel good to win,” she says, “When we lose a game we’re annoyed for 15 minutes then we laugh about it together. Then, when we win, we will remember that win until our next game.”
Football Moments
Even at such a young age, Grace has stored up some great memories from playing football. Memories that will inevitability spur her on as she continues to play the sport.
“My most memorable moment was playing in a boy’s tournament and I scored two absolute belters. I ended up winning Player of the Tournament because of one of the goals I scored.” When speaking of this particular goal she says, “I remember I absolutely skinned past two players on the pitch (I was faster than them) before pelting the ball in the top right-hand corner.”
Although football is known to be predominately played by males, Grace hasn’t let that stop her playing the sport. In fact, sometimes there doesn’t seem to be anything (or anyone!) that could stand in her way:
“I once played in a 6-a-side and there was a boy a head taller than me and I was able to take the ball around him.”
A Future in Football
As for any future plans, Grace is keen to play at a national and possibly international level.
“I want to play internationally and I would like to play for Northern Ireland one day.” She adds, “I want to keep playing. I want to be the best in the world and to someday get the Balon D’Or [an award previously given to the male world Player of the Year].”
If anything, Grace is a real game changer in women’s sport and judging by the way she is playing at the moment, a Balon d’Or award – or equivalent - might just be on the cards!
Are there any #GameChangers in your life?
Know of any #GameChangers in your life? It could be your mum, sister or someone in the spotlight. Share them on Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #GameChangers.
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.