JESS FISHLOCK
Only one person in the history of Welsh football has played over 100 times for Wales and that’s Jess Fishlock – but it’s her next game that could define her career and change the shape of women’s football in Wales. She spoke to Joe Towns.
So England come to Rodney Parade this month and the winner of that match goes to the World Cup in France next year. How often do you find yourself thinking about that game?
To be honest, I try my hardest to not think about it. I don’t want to get caught up in the what if’s? – I just want to get to camp and focus on the preparation for that game. Thankfully, I have club football now to keep my mind off the game.
20 years ago, did 11-year-old Jess, kicking a ball about in Llanrumney, ever think she’d play 100 times for Wales and one day be one game away from a World Cup Finals?
I did not think for one second that that would be my life, but I am extremely grateful that it is.
You have settled in Seattle, for now, a star for Seattle Reign FC, twice winners of the NWSL Shield; you’re also a title winner in the Australian NWSL league with Melbourne and a Champions League winner with Frankfurt. How come women’s football is so big in the States and Australia? What can we learn from them in how they promote and package the game?
There’s a lot of different reasons as to why it is successful in the US. It helps that the women’s national team is historically successful. However, I do feel that women’s sports in general in the USA is a lot more respected, and therefore followed and supported, primarily due to its college system and its national coverage.
There was no USA and – sadly – no Wales at the recent men’s football World Cup, so who were you supporting?
I fell in love with Croatia. I think Luka Modrić learnt a few things off me, haha! He is an inspiration.
This men’s WC finally saw the big broadcasters in the UK and US using female pundits and commentators – do you consider that a breakthrough?
Absolutely. I think it was a huge step forward in recognising that football has no gender… I do believe that people should get roles based on their knowledge, not gender. I would love to be a pundit myself. As long as I can pick my own wardrobe… though not a Southgate-esque waistcoat.
You had a spell as a player-manager in Australia and you’ve said you’re keen on management when you retire. Which current football manager would you model yourself on?
I wouldn’t model myself on any one manager in particular, but it would very much depend on what players you have in your squad. One thing I do know, I will treat my players as people first, then footballers.
If you don’t go into management or punditry would you fancy politics? You’re a natural leader, and already a spokesperson and ambassador for the LGBT sports community.
The older I get and the more I understand the importance of using your voice, I do find myself wanting to find more ways to make positive change, especially for those whose voices cannot be heard and who cannot defend themselves. I feel that’s something we need to do more about as a society. It is a necessity that everyone understands and more importantly feels that sport is a safe place.
As well as many great successes you have been through some bitter disappointments as a player – losing finals at Seattle, not making the 2012 Team GB squad for the Olympics. Have those moments made you stronger?
I believe it is the disappointments that make the success even better. Those moments made me stronger, eventually, but at the time they were the hardest to deal with. You cannot let failure define you.
This month you’re coming home to play versus England on Fri 31 Aug… is football coming home to Wales too?
It’s not coming home to Wales ‘too’, it’s just coming home.
Women’s World Cup Qualifier: Wales v England, Rodney Parade, Newport, Fri 31 Aug. Info: www.faw.cymru
