7 Great Life Hacks from Northern Ireland Women's Football Team Members
Forgetting new year’s resolutions, Northern Ireland Women’s Football team have a few life lessons and health and fitness tips that are sure to keep you right this new year, and beyond.
With women’s football moving in a positive direction and Northern Ireland Women’s securing a win over Slovakia at the end of last year, we are inclined to think these ladies are doing something right!
The team celebrating their win against Slovakia. Sourced from @NorthernIreland.
1. Make it Personal
“In terms of training and nutritional advice, I would always say make it personal to you, do what makes you feel best,” says Northern Ireland Women’s midfielder, Caragh Milligan.
These are wise words considering a lot of us can set huge and unrealistic goals in the new year. Why not stick to what feels right for you, rather than setting yourself unattainable goals. Whether it is swimming, walking or just eating more healthily, choose a goal that can be easily worked into your everyday life and that makes you feel good.
2. An Espresso a Day…
As recent scientific reports have shown, coffee is supposedly good for us. And, as Northern Ireland Women’s forward Laura Magill reveals, the Northern Ireland team even make it part of their match routine.
“Before a big game a few of us girls have a little tradition that helps us prepare for the match and seems to bring us good luck – we call it our own little coffee club. Before we get on the bus, we buy a shot of espresso and toast to a successful game before drinking the shot together. We did it before our game against Italy, and we played a blinder, so we’ve kept doing it ever since."
3. Never Give Up
Rachel Furness, Northern Ireland’s midfielder had an injury at 17 years-old which, had she let it, might have ended her footballing career.
“I had an injury at 17 and was told I couldn’t play football again. However, fortunately I had the right people around me to ensure I could get back on the right track. If you do come across setbacks, don’t give up. If it’s something you love and want to do, then never give up.”
4. Enjoy a Sweet Treat
The team taking a selfie. Sourced from @NorthernIreland.
If you find yourself craving something sweet, then take heart that even the sports’ professionals need a sugar fix every now and then (in moderation, of course).
“I’ve got a sweet tooth and do enjoy a pick-a-mix! Often, I’ll be sharing them with the team,” says Laura Rafferty, Northern Ireland Women’s defender.
5. Getting in the Zone
Whichever work environment you find yourself in, be it in an office environment or outside, a certain amount of focus will be needed. Sports professionals are some of the most focused individuals in the world.
Members of the Northern Ireland’s Women’s team share how music helps them focus:
“I like to get the headphones on and get into my own headspace, thinking through the role I have to carry out that night and just getting into the zone for what I have to do for my team,” says Caragh.
Striker Simone Magill says, “When preparing for a match. I try and get into the zone with some music. My all-time favourite pre-match song is S-Club 7’s Bring It All Back.”
6. Commit to your life goals
It is not surprising to hear that a lot of the Northern Ireland Women’s team did not get to where they are today without committing to their dream of playing football. If you are at a point in your life where you would like to try something new, or have a lifelong dream you would like to fulfil, then take inspiration from the girls.
Simone says, “It’s that commitment and a desire to push through that will get you to where you want to be. So, I guess my advice would be that if there’s something you really want to do then be sure to make the right choices even from an early age,”
7. Be a Game Changer
We are very proud to be the official sponsor of women’s football in Northern Ireland. Females participating in sport are game changers, and this includes members of the Northern Ireland Women’s team who have blazed a trail for women in football.
Caragh says, “I was the only girl in the team and in the entire league when I was young, but it was some of the best footballing years of my life. It helped me develop my skills from an early age; enabling me to be stronger and faster. It was also great fun playing with the boys - especially when I would be running circles around them!”
Would you like to support the Game Changers of the future?
Join Club Game Changers and support your local football club. By switching to Electric Ireland today you could receive up to £50 for yourself, and £25 for your local football club. Click on the image below to find out more.
