Massive day today (25/7/12), history being made, OC Claire Rafferty plays in first Olympic footy game vs New Zealand kicks off at 4pm BBC 1 #TeamGB
Claire Rafferty who graduated from Colfe’s five years ago, has been selected to play football for Great Britain in the Olympics.
Colfe’s has an outstanding record of girls going on to pursue sport at international level, such as England Cricketer, Susie Rowe who has recently returned to Colfe’s as a coach.
Claire heard the news aftergettingback from a double header European qualifier camp with England against Holland and Slovenia where England have to win to have the best chance of qualifying for the Euro finals 2013. The 23 year old took time out to speak to us:
How did you feel when you knew you had been called up for the Olympics?
I was surprised because I have recently come back from a serious knee injury (ACL reconstruction) and was worried that I hadn't given myself enough time to get in good form before the selection process however I received the phone call from Hope Powell last Monday morning and was over the moon with the news that I had been selected. It is such an honour and privilege to be selected to represent GB in an Olympics and I just can’t wait for it all to begin.
How did your football career start?
I started playing with my brother Thomas (who also went to Colfe's) when I was about 6, he used to make me go in goal in the garden. It was from playing in the garden that I realised that it was something I really enjoyed and wanted to pursue, so I pestered my mum to take me to a local boys teams. At the same time I played for my primary school team. When I joined Colfe's I was playing for the Orpington district team and Millwall Lionesses. I played for them throughout my time and Colfe's and then joined Chelsea the same year I left Colfe's and am still playing for them now.
When does the first Olympic game happen?
It is the first ever GB Women's football squad in Olympic history. We travel as one big squad with the men's GB team (Women are playing Sweden and the Men are playing Brazil) before the tournament kicks off. Then we have our opening game against New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium, actually its the first event of the whole Olympics, even before the opening ceremony. We then play Cameroon and Brazil at Wembley Stadium.
You play for Chelsea ladies, what’s the best bit about Club football?
The best part about playing for Chelsea Ladies is that we play tough opposition each week and that allows me to work and improve on my weaknesses. We have a new summer league, the FAWSL, which has meant teams have to buy in to the league which has increased the level of competition and overall quality. At Chelsea we also have a great team spirit and you become a bit like a family when you play for a team and spend so much time together.
Do you think women’s football is more championed and respected now?
There is an old fashioned attitude towards Women's football which can be somewhat frustrating, however with the new summer league set up, televised games on ESPN and increased investment in the game it has and is becoming more accessible and this will hopefully change stubborn opinions
What does it feel like when you are playing a game?
International games attract much bigger crowds than our domestic games and so when playing England there is always that little bit of added pressure that the crowds bring. However I always feel an overwhelming sense of pride when representing my country.
What advice would you give young Colfeian’s who are playing football like Eloise in Year 7 who is currently trialing for Charlton?
I’m really pleased to hear about Eloise. One bit of advice I would give is to firstly work hard at school. Second is to train hard at football. Most of all make sure you enjoy it don't put too much pressure on yourself, hard works and determination always prevails.
What about the future? Do you have something you are aiming for?
After leaving Colfe's I went on to get my degree in Economics at Loughborough University. I have been out of university a year and am working towards my accountancy qualification, I am contracted with the FA so am fully funded.
Finally what do you remember about Colfe’s ? What was an enduring memory for you?
I have quite a lot of fond memories about Colfe's. My fondest probably would be going on all the outdoor pursuits especially the first one in year 7 with Mr Cummings, I also used to love P.E with Miss Hargreaves and Miss Starkey, now Mrs Rayes. However my leaving memory probably was Miss Price as she inspired my love for economics, even though I wasn't the best at it haha. I remember when I went away a lot with U19s England during my last year in sixth form, she would always make sure I was up to date with everything and didn't miss out.