Once A Spur | Shannon Moloney

In each matchday programme, to celebrate our 40th anniversary, we speak to a former Spurs player to look back at their career and get their thoughts on the current side in our seventh season in the WSL.

Next up is Shannon Moloney as she talks about the ‘family’ environment during her time with the Club and being a role model in her new position in Asia…

What were your first memories when you joined the Club and how did it come about?

“One of my first memories about joining the Club was that we were training at Frederick Knight Sports Centre in Haringey. I was actually just coming back from travelling in Asia and it was one of the first sessions of pre-season, so I wasn’t feeling my fittest. We did plenty of shuttle runs and, of course, a lot of running. Karen [Hills] was the manager at the time and I remember her saying that I’d be a good addition to the team, but I needed to get fit first (which I obviously made sure I did). The girls were so lovely and the atmosphere was brilliant, so I knew I wanted to be here straight away and be a part of the Club.”

Talk us through your journey with the Club, from the regional leagues to helping the Club to the FA Women's Championship?

“The journey certainly wasn’t linear, for sure. I think, in the first few years, we didn’t have much momentum, but what we did have was plenty of heart in the team. We were like a little family and, no matter the result, we always stuck together. There were long road trips to Keynsham and even the south coast – and I still remember the minibus journeys together. We would always stick together and, of course, after a win, it always felt better. I remember when we started to get promoted, rising through the leagues, everything just started to ramp up and it began to feel like such a professional outfit. Juan [Amoros] joined us and he was amazing for us all. His phrases and his passion for every one of us stays with me to this day.”

Favourite memory while wearing the Lilywhite shirt?

“This is such a hard question because there were so many - big and small moments that I loved. Obviously winning the league at White Hart Lane was such a highlight, it was such an amazing atmosphere with all our family and friends. But there were smaller moments too, those small ones like when we moved to the Men’s training ground and being integrated into that setting was also a magical occasion.”

How much have you seen the growth of the side since you first started to now?

“Where do I even start with the growth! The girls are absolutely flying. I’ve watched some of the Women’s games and also been around the younger age groups at the Club - and they have all advanced so much. They’re so professional and technical, the full-time programme really allows them to flourish in the environment. I really do believe that Spurs is such an amazing club to be a part of. The people who are involved in the Women’s set up aren’t just amazing coaches, with excellent knowledge and experience, but they care deeply as well.”

You're very much still involved in the Club, just talk to us about what you get up to now?

“I’m currently the Head of International Development APAC region, which looks after 18 countries in Asia. I look after the partnership with our global principal partner AIA and work on expanding our global football programmes in Asia. The job is the best in the world. I feel so lucky to have come away from a playing background into something I love. Having the opportunity to do this job has given me another perspective from my playing days and allows me to see a different side of the Club. It’s so amazing to be in Asia, predominately based in Hong Kong, and see the global fan base for both the Men’s and Women’s team. Alongside this, I’ve also studied a Masters in Football Business and Management, and I’m currently enrolled on The Professional Football Association Sporting Directorship course.”

How much do you value inspiring the next generation in other parts of the world in your role?

“For some countries, we are the face of the club in our regions and, having a playing background and being 13 years at the club, I feel proud when I talk about what we do. Spurs is like home to me. It’s so nice to work in places like Cambodia, Thailand and Indonesia, allowing young girls to be able to see someone who used to play football and now has a career in it.  I hope it inspires them to know that roles are available - both on and off the pitch. It’s so amazing to see how far Women’s football has progressed, especially at Spurs, and it’s special to be a role model and show them that a career in football is possible.”