Women's first team and Academy players discuss their female inspirations

As part of our celebration for International Women’s Day, we asked our Women’s First Team and Academy players who were their key female figures as a youngster.

International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognise the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, and our players are role models for thousands of fans here and abroad whenever they wear the Lilywhite shirt.

But who were the ones that inspired them when they were growing up?

Matilda Nildén

“I would say my biggest female inspiration has always been my mum. She is a strong woman and is someone I have always looked up to. But, also in football, my sister Amanda [Nildén] has always been a really big inspiration for me and I have been inspired by her from a very early age. They’re both so driven as people and that inspires me a lot.”

Bethany England

“My biggest role model was Rachel Yankey. There wasn’t much Women’s football to watch when I was younger but I loved watching her play for England. She played on the wing and had a wonderful left foot. I Just thought she was extremely creative and scored some wonderful goals.”

Cathinka Tandberg

“When I was younger, Alex Morgan was someone I often watched a lot. She’s a really good striker and scored lots of goals - and that made me follow in her footsteps. She has also got a cool and big personality that I liked with her.”

Signe Gaupset

“To be honest, I didn’t know much female role models when I was younger but, of course, when Ada Hegerberg won the Ballon d’Or she quickly became a role model for me and someone I looked up to in the early stages of my career.”

Lenna Gunning-Williams

“I would actually say Jessica Ennis-Hill. I was really into track when I was younger and I remember going to the Olympics in 2012 in London and she won gold there! I was also lucky enough to meet her at the Sports Personality of the Year awards one time and I got the chance to interview her. She was really lovely and it was inspiring to talk to a female who knows what it takes to be the best.”

Julie Blakstad

“To be honest, I didn’t really have one specific female role model in football when I was growing up. However, I find inspiration in a lot of different players - both in the way they play but also getting to know different players. I find inspiration in their journeys.”

Ella Morris

“Mine would be my sister. She started playing football, so naturally I wanted to copy. We pushed each other a lot growing up and always wanted the best for each other. I look up to her a lot still now.”

Maite Oroz

“I would say Eunate Arraiza - a player who played with me at Athletic and is deaf. She is an example of a player that continues to inspire me and she was an incredible team-mate when I was there.”

Grace Bellwood

“Mine would be my mum because she’s always keeping me motivated and challenges me to better myself. She’s always there for me through the good and bad times, and I can’t thank her enough for her continuous support in my journey.”

Ruby Mace

“My mum and sister. They’ve always gone above and beyond for me to be the very best version of myself and give me the best platform to pursue my dream.”

Jhanaie Pierre

“Growing up, Drew Spence was a big inspiration to me. Seeing a Black female player performing at that level really inspired me and made me believe that I could pursue football too. Now, it’s amazing because the person who inspired me to get into the sport is someone I now have the honour of learning from. Since training with the first team, she’s given me a lot of advice and I look up to her as someone who helps guide me and pushes me to better myself - both on and off the pitch.”

Grace Breen

“I would say my female inspiration when I first started football was Lucy Bronze, especially for when she represented the Lionesses, because she threw everything on the line to defend and protect her goal which is what I aspired to do at that age too.”

Poppy Neill

“My answer would have to be Alex Scott. Although she really inspired me to get into football, I loved how confident and passionate she was about her career, especially after, and how she took her love for football into her media career. My aim is to follow in her same career path.”