Rachel is a manager and coach in North Toronto Soccer’s Advanced Development Program and has offered advice on how young players can improve their own game by watching the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Firstly, Rachel, why will you be watching the FIFA Women’s World Cup?
The World Cup is always exciting; you never know what is going to happen and you get to watch all the top-class players on show in one place. It also brings people together from all walks of life and because it’s once every four years makes it so special.
The quality on the field has increased dramatically and that’s down to the professional leagues that have been built from the ground up. As the women’s game evolves and becomes more accessible, the excitement is only going to increase.
Are players in your program excited by the World Cup?
Yes, we have many players who have allegiances to different countries so it is exciting for them personally. There may be some early mornings and late nights with the time difference but hopefully they are able to catch some of the action.
Why should young players watch the World Cup, not just as a fan, but to take away learnings that enhance their own development?
I grew up in England and watching football on TV or live is second nature to myself and most of the people there.
Watching football is an important tool for players as they can analyze other players in their favourite position or see what teams do tactically in and out possession. They will also see technical habits that are being mastered consistently by the professionals, and how it relates to themselves or opponents they may play against. The World Cup will also show them the quality and standard that you must have to perform on the biggest international stage.
What should defensive-minded players look out for at the World Cup?
There will be some top-class defensive players on show at this World Cup such as Vanessa Gilles for Canada, Keira Walsh for England, Wendie Renard for France and Alyssa Naeher for USA. Players should look out for how they defend with high intensity to prevent goalscoring chances or how they recognize danger early by covering space or anticipating where the next pass is going to go.
What should attacking-minded players look out for at the World Cup?
They should keep an eye on how creative players act in one-v-one situations and the speed at which they attack to impact the game with great effect. They should also watch for how players support teammates with their movement off the ball to help create overloads or goalscoring opportunities.
There are so many players that could be highlighted but my top picks to watch out for would be Australia’s Sam Kerr, Spain’s Alexia Putellas, Netherland’s Lieke Martens and Canada’s Jesse Fleming.
What could young players learn about professionalism and player attitudes by watching the World Cup?
Young players can learn how professionals react when things are not going their way and adapt to moments they cannot control. Resilience is a big factor for players at any stage of their development and during big tournaments like the World Cup there are always going to be moments – whether it be a penalty, sending off, injury to top goalscorer – that teams have to dig deep and fight for each other.
What are your thoughts on Olivia Smith’s call-up to CANWNT, and why is her success great for current NT players?
It’s a fantastic achievement by Olivia to be called up into the squad for the World Cup. She was in the camp before the final roster was announced and I know how hard she would have worked to put herself into contention. The video that was released of her being told she had made the squad shows everyone how much it means to her to be involved. We are all so proud of her and we will definitely be cheering her on.
It’s also amazing for our current younger players to see that the pathway to the national team is there for them to aspire to, and to show them that anything is possible. Olivia isn’t much older than a lot of our players so it’s evidence that no matter what age, if you are putting in the work on and off the field then the opportunities are going to be there for them.
What’s your message to young NT players who aspire to play in a World Cup one day?
There are going to be ups and downs throughout your journey as a footballer and it’s how you deal with that adversity that can set you apart from others. Secondly, and most importantly, keep having fun and enjoying the game no matter what age you are.
The women’s game is on the rise and the opportunities going forward are going to be endless especially here in Toronto and Canada with Project 8, so it’s an exciting time for what is to come in the not so distant future.
