Kirsty Eddis Interview

Kirsty Eddis
1. What do you think of the standard of women's football in Northern Ireland compared to the likes of the USA and England?
I think that the standard is understandably lower. The American FA and English EA setup is unlike the IFA setup. They have more money which enables them to spend more on development for their players. Northern Ireland women's football is not up to the standard as other countries have a semi professional and a professional league.
2. You were away recently in Russia with the Northern Ireland team playing in a tournament. How did you prepare for it? And what teams did you play against? And did you learn anything when you were away
To be honest my preparation was damaged greatly as I was just back from injury and had only been cleared to play matches a couple of days before leaving. Whilst we were away I prepared by putting my all into training. Mentally, I focused and imagined the saves I would make, the kicks I would take etc. I learned how important it is to be as strong mentally as you are physically. You need to have the ability to keep concentration for the full 90 minutes. You need to block out of your mind any mistakes you make and focus on the positives. After the match is when you can analyse the mistakes, when it won't cost you any loss of concentration. We played Russia, Italy and Israel.
3. Do you follow irish League football? If so what team do you support and who would you say is your favourite player?
I don't strongly support any Irish League team, but I think Linfield is the team at the top.
4. In your view, who is currently the best footballer in the world?
I think the best player in the world is Ronaldo or Kaka. The skills they have are at such a high level. They are both strong and intelligent players
5. What did you think of the standard of goalkeeping in the Women's World Cup 2007?
The standard of the goalkeeping at the Women's surprised me. I expected it to be higher.
6. Have you picked up any serious injuries when doing goals?
I fractured my wrist when I was playing goals (the injury prior to Russia) but the fracture was very small and I have recovered since and am now back in training.
7. Are you superstitious?
No.
8. What do you think about the high salaries of modern players?
I think the salaries are too high and a limit needs to be reached. The high salaries are taking away from playing football for enjoyment. The amount players are getting can sometimes take away some of the passion of just playing football because you love the game.
9. Which car do you drive?
I don't drive a car at the minute. I drive a Yamaha moped and plan to start learning how to drive within the next couple of months
10. What do you think about the overall development of women’s football in Northern Ireland? Could there be more work done to strengthen and improve the development that has already taken place in in women’s football so we can compete with the likes of the USA?
I think we are unable to do any more than we are currently doing due to the financial funding by the IFA. I think that the responsibility for a country like ours is on the players individually. The players need to do a lot in their own time.
11. What were the best and worst moments in your football career?
The best moment of my career was being selected for the senior squad for the first time. My worst moment was in Russia, I did not have the best of tournaments.
12. Do you have a goalkeeping coach at your club? Do you think that all clubs should have a goalkeeping coach? If so why?
We have a goalkeeping coach at my club and I have found it very beneficial. It is important as goalkeeper training is very specific and totally different from outfield sessions
13. How many nights would you train at your football club?
We trin once a week or twice a week whenever possible
14. What is your ambition in football?
I aspire to push into the senior squad and improve to be the best that I can be.
15. What other sport do you play or like watching?
I play hockey and netball. I enjoy watching rugby. BBC3.
16. What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a goalkeeper?
The best advice I can give someone who wants to become a goalkeeper is to have no fear. Also to be prepared to work hard to get to places you want to go
17. What do you think about the overall standard of football in Northern Ireland?
I think that the overall standard is improving. The rate of improvement could get a lot higher but due to unchangeable circumstances it is unable to.
18. What do you think about having an all Ireland League for women's football?
I think it would be beneficial. It would challenge teams at the top to improve even more and not to be satisfied they are top in a certain league. The competition would be higher and the motivation for players to improve would be a lot higher
19. What is your favourite holiday destination?
I like trying out new places but the place I have liked the most is southern France
20. Are you a good loser?
I am not a good loser
21. What goalkeeping gloves and football shorts do you wear?
Currently I wear Reebok boots and Nike rollfinger gloves
22. What do you think before a penalty?
I think that the player who is taking it has the expectation to score. I think there is not as much pressure on me as there is on them. In reality this may not be true but it enables me to relax. I, personally, wait until the person taking it is about to strike the ball. I guess by the shape of their foot as to which way they will hit it.
23. Have you got a nickname? If so why do they call you that?
No
24. Who is the worst dressed player you have ever played with?
25. Which player in your team has the strongest shot?
One of the central midfielders has the strongest shot
26. What music do you like and what was the last CD you bought?
The last CD I bought was by a band called Paramour, but I like all different types of music
27. Who is your favourite actor/actress?
My favourite actor is Brad Pitt and my favourite actress is Jessica Alba
28. At your club who is in charge of the team CD player?
29. What do you think of the current men's Northern Ireland team and would you go to their home games?
I would go to their games. I think it is important to watch a lot of football as it gives you better a understanding of the game.
30. Who is the best player you have played with or who has played against you?
There was an Italian player on the Italy team who was at such a high level. She was a striker and made clever runs which were very intelligent. She had pace and had a very good strike and ability to finish on goal
Kirsty thanks for answering the questions and good luck at your club for the new season
Name:   Kirsty Eddis
Age:  17
NI Appearances:  under 17s, under 19s, Euro Championships 2006 (Azerbijan) and 2007 (Russia), Seniors squad   World Cup qualifiers 2006 (vs Romania) and 2007 (vs Belarus)