There are many reasons to look forward to the Final Draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup. The draw, to take place on December 1 (10 a.m. EST, 15 GMT) in Moscow's State Kremlin Palace, will not only determine who plays who next summer, but will also set a historic precedent.

Sports broadcaster and former England striker Gary Lineker will share hosting duties with Russian sports journalist Maria Komandnaya. This marks the first time a female sports journalist is conducting the draw, and only the third time in history a woman with a background in football is involved.

Komandnaya, a familiar face in Russian sports coverage, has over a decade of experience in radio and television. Her resume includes FOX Sports, Match TV, and Moscow FM. She's also editor-in-chief of the-challenger.ru, a Russian fitness and lifestyle website.

Первый матч сборной в новых «Лужниках» на Первом — уже история

A post shared by Maria Komandnaya (@komandnaya) on Nov 11, 2017 at 7:07am PST

Komandnaya's presence will be a welcome change from the models and actresses that have graced the stage of the WC draw over the years. It would be highly optimistic, however, to say that it might not be long before a woman is front and center. After all, it took 14 World Cups for women involved in football to take part in the draw, and 17 World Cups for a woman to be one of the hosts.

The 90s took the draw to the next level, thanks to the first edition of the FIFA Women's World Cup in 1991. Players like Michelle Akers and Julie Foudy, who featured in the draws for WC 94 and 98, became household names. In fact, Akers, along with Mia Hamm, are the only two women named to the FIFA 100.

However, the novelty soon wore off. Despite the ever-rising popularity of women's football, the men's World Cup draw no longer featured female players as participants. Sure, Brazilian striker Marta was present at the 2014 World Cup Final Draw. But she never took part, not even as an assistant.

The draw for the 2018 World Cup has potential to be a turning point, one that will lead to a greater recognition of women in football - both on and off the pitch. The ceremony's influence cannot be underestimated - the 2006 draw was watched by 300 million people in nearly 150 countries around the world.

The WC draw has come a long way in its representation of women, but has an even longer way to go.

A Feminist's Timeline of the FIFA World Cup Draw

1930
- July 10, 1930
No records available.

1934
- May 3, 1934
According to Soccer Nostalgia, the grandson of General Giorgio Vaccaro assisted with the draw.

1938
- March 5, 1938
No women present. Jules Rimet's 10-year-old grandson, Yves Rimet, takes part in the draw.

1950
- May 22, 1950
No women at this draw, either.

1954
- November 30, 1953
The draw is made by Emil Landolt, then mayor of Zurich.

1958
- February 8, 1958
The draw is conducted on the set of Stora famnen at the Cirkus TV studio in Sweden. TV host Agneta Ljungström and another woman assist. This is the first known record of women at the World Cup draw. Radio presenter and sports journalist Sven Jerring, CONMEBOL rep Lorenzo Vilizio, and TV personality and journalist Lennart Hyland conduct the draw.

1962
- January 18, 1962
The only photo available shows male reporters at FIFA's office.

1966
- January 6, 1966
No women present.

1970
- January 10, 1970
The draw was made by Monica Maria Cañedo White, 10-year-old daughter of Guillermo Cañedo, president of the Mexican Football Association.

1974
- January 5, 1974
The draw was conducted in Frankfurt with the help of 11-year-old Detlef Lange, a member of the Schöneberger Sängerknaben boys' choir from Berlin.

1978
- January 14, 1978
No records available.

1982
- January 16, 1982
Spanish schoolboys assist in the draw, which made use of revolving drums. Confusion ensued when Scotland was placed in the wrong group.

1986
- December 15, 1985
Three young boys assist in the draw, held at the Televisa studios in Mexico City.

1990
- December 9, 1989
Italian actress Sophia Loren assists with the draw.

1994
- December 19, 1993
Three women share the stage as draw assistants - 1991 Women's World Cup champion Michelle Akers, Olympic gold medalist Mary Lou Retton, and actress/model Carol Alt. They're joined by several male celebrities. Robin Williams co-hosts the draw with FIFA president Sepp Blatter.

1998
- December 4, 1997
FIFA Women's World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Julie Foudy is the sole female assistant during the draw, held at Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. This is the only draw that has been hosted at a stadium thus far.

2002
- December 1, 2001
There is one female assistant during the draw. She is not identified in captions of photos from the draw.

2006
- December 9, 2005
The Final Draw is hosted by FIFA comms director Markus Siegler and model/actress Heidi Klum.

2010
- December 4, 2009
The draw is hosted by FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke and actress/producer Charlize Theron.

2014
- December 6, 2013
FIFA secretary general Jerome Valcke is assisted by actress, model, and TV host Fernanda Lima.

2018
*To be hosted by Gary Lineker and Maria Komandnaya.
December 1, 2017
10:00 a.m. EST | 15:00 GMT
UK: BBC, ITV
US: Fox, Telemundo

by Aleks V | @aleksvee

Illustration: Aleks V | Photos: Listas en 20minutos.es, MUFC, Atlético Madrid

by Aleks V | @aleksvee


While the NASL and USSF put up their dukes in court and more potential candidates line up for the latter's presidential race, I can't help wondering there's a simpler solution to the age-old problems faced by U.S. soccer. Poorly run leagues. The absence of promotion and relegation. Corruption. Remove the soccer element, and you get a typical government.

Although incumbent USSF president Sunil Gulati may run for reelection, there's a chance the federation may opt for a new face next year. He may even be an “outsider”, and have fewer ties to the elite. But as with politics, no matter who wins, little will change. Even your average Joe, when given access to money and power, will eagerly trade in his name for profit.

The principles of fair competition, however, should not depend on the selfish motives of the few.

Luckily, an alternate model of running things is already in place at the club level.

I'm talking about clubs such as FC Barcelona and Real Madrid. Over 100,000 fans own and operate Barca, with around 91,000 at Real.

Real's fans elect the club president. Yes, Florentino Pérez is a wealthy businessman, but his power is checked by the club's Member Assembly, which can discipline him. He is also barred from investing his own money into the club.

In Germany, supporters own around 82% of Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund's stock. Another storied club, Argentina's Boca Juniors, is 100% fan owned.

Fan ownership gives a voice to those who truly care about the game. It's like having the customers run the business. Which makes sense, as they're always right.

Then there's the money aspect. A study among eight supporter community owned clubs in the U.K. showed they have “an added onus to be financially responsible and live within their means." Such clubs can also “raise finance in more innovative ways.” There's greater transparency with those finances, as well, which is always a good thing.

Even the issue of low attendances, especially in U.S. soccer's lower tier leagues, can be solved with fan ownership – in the aforementioned study, “most clubs felt that their attendances were sustained even when performances were poor.”

Having fans, rather than a single, wealthy figure run a club is not a novel concept in Europe's biggest leagues, with roots in the early 20th century. Of course, those leagues also boast a storied soccer past.

By contrast, U.S. soccer has been characterized by a lack of intermittent movement. In film, that's the stop and start motion that advances each frame. The key word is "advance." Stay too long on one frame, and your audience sees right through the illusion.

Under the current structure, soccer leagues and clubs in the U.S. will continue to come and go.

Democratizing the USSF by having fans run it may be the key to creating a lasting foundation for the sport in America.

by Aleks V |

2017 marks the 160th anniversary of the world's first football club, Sheffield FC. Sheffield 160 is a bi-weekly series that goes behind the scenes of the historic club through interviews with players and staff.

This week, Sheffield FC Club & Community Manager, Chris Dolby, talks about his work at Sheffield FC, his football career, and what it was like to meet Pelé.

Photos courtesy Sheffield FC.


What are your earliest football memories?
My mum taking me to a local town hall to play football. What we didn't know at the time was the lads were 17-18 years old, and I was six! They still let me play. That was the community spirit back in the late 70's!

How did you first get involved with Sheffield FC?
I signed as a player when I was 32 years old . This was to be my last club as a player. I played for two seasons, then I become player-manager.

You've worn many hats at the club over the years - player, First Team Manager, Club & Community Manager. What has been the most challenging role?
The biggest challenge was developing the [Sheffield FC] Foundation into a global business. Football has become the greatest game in this world.

The core values of the Foundation are Integrity, Respect and Community, which gives our club the foundation to bring people together through football education, inclusion, peace, and friendship.

What are your main duties as Club & Community Manager?
My main duties are to ensure the brand of the World's First Football Club continues to give. Our unique status allows our club the platform to engage people from across the globe. Football is for ALL, regardless of age, race, or religion.

Are there any humorous stories you can share from your years at Sheffield?
During the 150th celebrations, we played Inter Milan in front of 23,000 fans at Bramall Lane. The great Pelé came onto the pitch before the game to meet all the players. As he approached me, I could feel the nerves kick in. Whilst shaking my hand, the great man asked me where I was from. Looking back now, I know he was asking what nationality I was, but as the nerves had kicked in, I responded with Rotherham! He looked at me a little confused.

You were the first Asian footballer of note to play in the UK. What impact do you think you've had as a player, and as a manager at Sheffield when the club traveled to India?
Becoming Britain's first Asian professional footballer was a real honour. I never managed to play at the highest level, so the impact was not as great as it could possibly have been.

I still believe we will eventually see a British Asian player playing in the Premiership, which will change the outlook on the British Asian football community. The trip to India was a real eye opener for all of the team that traveled to India. The passion for the game was incredible from the Indian players and the supporters.

Tell me about a person without whom your career would not be as it is today.
My parents gave me the opportunity to play football from a young age, so I have to say my mum and dad.

What is one thing most people would be surprised to know about your career?
I have played in the Football League, Conference, Conference North, Northern Premier League 2, Norther Premier League 1 and North East Counties. So every league up to the Football League!


Chris Dolby is Club & Community Manager at the World's First Football Club, Sheffield FC.
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Read more on Sheffield 160 here.
Join the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #Sheffield160.

by Aleks V |

2017 marks the 160th anniversary of the world's first football club, Sheffield FC. Sheffield 160 is a bi-weekly series that goes behind the scenes of the historic club through interviews with players and staff.

This week, Aleks chats with Calum Oakenfold, who recently moved up from being Ladies Development Team Manager to working as the Ladies First Team Coach with Zoe Johnson.

All photos courtesy Sheffield FC.


How did you first get involved with Sheffield FC?
I am originally from Bristol and actually started coaching there with Michael Meaker and also Bristol Rovers Academy. From there, I spend four years in the US coaching in New York and New Jersey before returning to U.K. in 2014. I then moved to Sheffield to work with Sheffield Wednesday Academy and Sheffield FA. It was that move that got me in touch with Sheffield FC Ladies and I took over as Development Team Manager in March 2016. The team was positioned fairly well in the league and had five games left plus a Cup Final against Arsenal.

Did you play professionally prior to coaching? 
I played academy football for Bristol Rovers and then semi pro for teams in Bristol.

Can you recall your first game as a player and first game as a coach?
Can't recall first game as player, but coaching was for Bristol Rovers U10s. We played Swindon Town and won 5-3, but lads played very well. Obviously at U10 it's all about development of the player and they did really well with the challenges we set!

First game coaching for Sheffield FC Development was against Birmingham - we won 4-2. We actually went unbeaten for the rest of season and finished 2nd in the WSL Development league.

The Ladies Development team finished runners-up in their debut season in the FA WSL. What was your biggest challenge in getting that result? 
Well, the first challenge was getting the team together, motivated and focused on a challenge for the end of the season. The players were great though, and already had a bond, so it was just taking that and focusing on the last six games. We also had a big final against Arsenal in the Cup, so that was a big motivation, too.

Can you describe your coaching philosophy? Are there any current or past managers you look up to?
My coaching philosophy changes depending on who I'm working with. With the Ladies First Team, it is in line with the club's philosophy of looking to play attractive attacking football which allows players to play with freedom and creativity!

Zoe Johnson is a great manager and I will always do what's best for her. John Williams is another person I look up to who offers great support and advice.


What is the fan base of the Development Team like? Are there fans who come to every game (home and away)?
Sheffield FC as a club has a great fan base in itself. There are fans that will come to home games that watch whichever of the Sheffield FC teams is playing, Men's or Women's, Development, or U18s. The development team had a good following at home games and had fans closer to the team and the players that come to away games. The other great thing about the Ladies side is that we had First Team players and staff also come to watch our games when they were available, and there was always support and interest in our performances and results.

by Aleks V |

2017 marks the 160th anniversary of the world's first football club, Sheffield FC. Sheffield 160 is a bi-weekly series that goes behind the scenes of the historic club through interviews with players and staff.

This week, Aleks chats with sports therapist, Neil Snelson, who works with the Sheffield FC Ladies Development Team.

All photos - Sheffield FC via Flickr.

How did you come to be involved with Sheffield FC?
I first came to Sheffield FC Ladies towards the end of the 2010/11 season with my daughter, Jodie Michalska, when she joined the club. She was at Lincoln FC, but after the birth of of her daughter in December 2010, decided to find a club closer to home.

As they did not have any medical cover and I'm a sports therapist, I volunteered to do it. I covered all match days and training sessions until [the team] were promoted into Super League 2, when my qualifications did not match the FA requirements and my business would not allow me to get to all the games. 

I also covered for the missed men's first team physio when she was on holiday early in the season and finished up doing the whole season, but could not continue as I was never at work. I now look after the Ladies Development Team on match days whenever I can.

Were there any games that stood out to you in the years you've been at Sheffield?
The most dramatic was the one where they got promoted into the Super League. It was non-stop excitement throughout and a great ending.

You mentioned you now work with the Ladies Development Team. What's a typical day like, and how does it differ from working with the first team?
I only look after them on match days. The girls are younger and shy at first, but they soon gain confidence. I try to get them ready to play with massage, stretching, strapping, or whatever else they need, even if it's a chat or a hair bobble.



Did you always want to work in sports therapy, or was there a point when you considered playing football?
I was never much of a player, and I only started as a sports therapist eight years ago. I was given the bucket and sponge a few years before when my kids started playing, as I had first aid training. I started learning as much as I could to try to help the kids and realised it was very rewarding, so I took a couple of diplomas in sport therapy and sports electro therapy and packed in my job and started up on my own as a therapist.

What would you say is the most challenging part of your job?
My biggest challenge for my own job at the moment is fitting everyone in that needs me. The biggest challenge looking after the girls is looking after them instead of doing my day job, but I do get a lot of pleasure from it. When at a game, the hardest thing is consoling players that are on the bench as they sometimes feel hard done to, but that is always tough as they all want to play.

What is something most people probably don't know about working in sports therapy?
You can call your self a sports therapist with any qualifications, which is very annoying, and most therapists are crippled with arthritis in their hands at a young age, but they still continue working.

The most memorable moment for me was hearing Italian supporters singing "Sheffield, Sheffield". Wearing the armband sent shivers down my back and made the hair stand up on the back of my neck. Actual play memory was for when club legend Matt Roney scored a screamer. I am still in touch with Marco and Dani from Dexter and they now have an annual visit.
I was never fortunate enough to play at either semi pro or pro football, but have played amateur football since I was six. I scored the goal that secured Stocksbridge Juniors their first ever junior trophy. I have been very fortunate to have made friends with several pro footballers and am still in touch with a few to this day.
This is probably where your phrase "local celebrity" comes from. I was fortunate enough to also captain the club at the original Pioneers Cup competition held at the home of football, playing alongside Chris Waddle, Carlton Palmer, and Jon Beresford against a team from Spain and a team from Italy. Tomáš Skuhravý and an Italian futsal legend played for the opposition. I have been known to be agricultural with my tackles. Chris Waddle was aware of this and asked me to make my presence felt. As a rapid Italian was played through, I slid in to the challenge, and this sent the Italian into the advertising boards. Paul Hancock, Club Director at that point, shouted, "You've just been introduced to the Tractor", and the name has stuck since.

You've represented the club in support of various charitable work. Can you talk a bit about that?One of the fortunate aspects of my association with Sheffield FC has meant I have had several invites to play in charity football matches and golf events. In addition to the Pioneers Cup, Milan, and Holland, we also played against a Borussia Dortmund side captained by Lars Ricken. I was again proud to captain SFC.

by Aleks V |

I was asked by a friend involved quite high up within the club to represent us in a small game against Sheffield FC legends and former players at the Boundary Academy near Sheffield's home ground in Dronfield. After that, the club organised many social gatherings based on or around match days and the vast majority of the lads would get together. Bob Dyson was the main architect behind the SC and I think everyone involved with the Veterans owes him an awful lot for his organising of so many wonderful events.

After a few gatherings there became murmurs of a game against a small Italian side Dexter Calcio. This came to fruition on a chilly November Sunday morning at the 'home of football' in Dronfield, with Sheffield FC running out comfortable winners, including myself getting on the scoresheet.

After the game, the Dexter lads promised us a return fixture in their home city of Milan in the iconic San Siro. Many of the Sheffield lads never thought it would happen ... but we were wrong.

Where have you played before? Did you ever play professionally?
As a child, I joined my local village team Killamarsh Dynamos aged 6 and played there throughout my junior years through to 18. During this time I'd had trials at boyhood club Sheffield United after being picked up by a scout one Sunday morning.

But it was with Chesterfield FC, a small lower league club around 10 miles from where I live, where I started playing at a higher level. I played for Chesterfield from the age of 12 and we had a very successful side. A number of players from the side went on make it in the professional game. However, for me, it wasn't meant to be.

I joined a side in the County Senior League, a Yorkshire based division which included many reserve sides of semi professional teams including Sheffield FC. I had a couple of spells with Sheffield FC with their reserve side, but it never quite worked out, and after a while I was asked to join the world's second oldest club, Hallam FC, by a former manager and good friend. It was during my time at Hallam that I picked up a bad injury, breaking my ankle, that prevented me from progressing any further up the footballing ladder.

Did you always play as a right-back?
When I first started playing football, my hero was the Sheffield United goalkeeper, Alan Kelly, a Republic of Ireland international who I tried my best to emulate. I spent a number of my junior years playing as a goalkeeper before being moved around - central midfield, central defensive - but settled at right back, a position that's become more and more important in the modern game with the emphasis being more about getting forward, almost like a winger.

Me and Jim on San Siro Tour yesterday before kick off. #SheffieldFC #MilanTour #SanSiroChampions pic.twitter.com/Km7jvRXe8V

— Chris Clifford (@chrisclifford29) June 6, 2013

You assisted Jim Fern's goal in a 3-0 win over Dexter Calcio in Italy. What was that like? Do you stay in touch with anyone from the Italian club?
Just to set foot onto the field at the San Siro was such a privilege, an honour, and to represent my hometown club, a club so close to my heart, was amazing. I was either the youngest or second youngest member of the touring party at 24 and the Milan trip is one I will never forget. I remember every single second of the game like it was yesterday. When club legend Matt Roney laid the ball into my path just inside my own half, there was only one thing on my mind.


I often watch the video clips back on YouTube, the one of the goal I'm heavily involved in is one I've shown probably every member of my family and friends a million times. Even to this day (4 years ago to the day exactly of writing this 5th June) it never gets old.

Jim is such a lethal finisher, it was never in doubt that he'd finish the chance to grab his second of the game. As a full back, all you can do is get forward and the ball in the right area, and hope your forwards tuck away the chances. Luckily for all involved with the Veterans SC, we had many good finishers - Jim, Danny Moore and Chris Dolby, to name just a few.

I stay in contact with a couple of the Dexter Calcio lads, mainly Marco Patruno through social media, especially around this time of year, as it's the anniversary of that famous Milan tour and the game in the San Siro.


Aside from the Veterans SC, are you involved with any other Sheffield FC activity or events?
Since breaking my ankle and work becoming more and more intense, I haven't been able to get to as many of the events as I'd like. The club used to be my second home, whether it be playing there or watching the junior sides. I have a lot of fond memories there, memories I will never forget.

What has been your most memorable SFC game you've seen over the years?
The game at Bramall Lane against Inter Milan back in 2007 to mark the club's 150th anniversary. Sheffield lost the game 5-2, but the occasion itself was worth much more than the result. Before the game, Pelé was introduced to the crowd as guest of honour, and afterwards opened an exhibition including plenty of football memorabilia.

Two of the lads on the Milan tour, Matt Roney and Chris Dolby, both played in the game against Inter Milan in 2007.

How would you describe the club to someone who only knows of Sheffield as being the world's oldest football club?
Sheffield FC is not just a football club, not just the oldest team in the world, it's a way of life. Welcoming and warm from the second you pull into the car park. The volunteers, staff and everyone involved with the club are friendly and there's always a real sense of history every time you mention the name.

The club is at the core of where it all began, pulling on the red jersey makes you feel part of history, part of something special. Hopefully one day Sheffield will progress higher up the football pyramid, I don't think anyone would begrudge the club where it all started a push up the leagues.

You'll go a long way to find a football club that stays more true to its roots and honest than Sheffield FC. The fact that Sheffield FC is renowned around the world makes me as a Sheffield lad not just proud to have represented this great club, but proud to have them just down the road a stone's throw away. Steeped in history and culture, a journey to the home of football is an absolute must for any football fan.


Join the conversation on Twitter using hashtag #Sheffield160.

by Aleks V |

On this day in 1972, Rangers FC won their sole European trophy, the UEFA Cup Winners' Cup, in a dramatic 3-2 battle against Dynamo Moscow at Camp Nou in Barcelona. In honor of the 45th anniversary of the historic final, here are some lesser-known facts about the game:

1. The first Soviet team in a European final

Dynamo Moscow in the 1972 Cup Winners' Cup Final. Photo: fcdynamo.ru

Dynamo Moscow became the first team from the Soviet Union to compete in the final of a European competition.

2. The managers met again

Rangers FC manager, Willie Waddell, played against Dynamo Moscow manager, Konstantin Beskov, in Dynamo's 1945 tour of Britain. In the post-war friendly vs Dynamo, Waddell's penalty kick was saved by goalkeeper, Alexei "Tiger" Khomich. Dynamo Captain, Beskov, contributed to both of his team's goals against Rangers, earning the free kick for Kartsev's 3rd minute opener and assisting his second goal. The match ended in a 2-2 draw.

3. The managers' records still stand

As manager of Kilmarnock in 1964-65, Willie Waddell led the club to its only championship in Scotland's top tier to date. Konstantin Beskov led Dynamo Moscow to victory in the 1994-95 Russian Cup, the club's last trophy while playing in the Premier League.

4. The lone foreigner

Rangers only had one foreign player on their roster in the 1972 Cup Winners' Cup Final - goalkeeper, Gerry Neef, who was on the bench for the duration of the game.

5. 45 years later, the Captains still support their clubs 



Both Captains remain active for their clubs. Rangers defender, John Greig, is the club's honorary life president. He's also on the board of the club's Youth Development Program. Dynamo Moscow defender, Valeri Zykov, attended the Blue-and-Whites' game against Shinnik on May 14, performing the ceremonial kick-off in honor of the 45th anniversary of the match against Rangers.

6. An artist is present

Fans hold up posters for the Rangers vs Dynamo Moscow game. Photo via cenotaph on forum.followfollow.com

Although there was no official match programme for the game, the famous match poster remains a favorite among collectors. The artwork used for the poster is by Spanish artist José Cros Estrems, who was known for his bullfighting illustrations.

7. The NASL connection

Willie Johnston playing for the NASL's Vancouver Whitecaps, 1980. Photo: John Denniston

Rangers' Willie Johnston, Alfie Conn, and Dave Smith all left their mark in the North American Soccer League. Johnston, who scored two goals in the Cup Winners' Cup Final against Dynamo, had two spells for the original Vancouver Whitecaps. The Scot made 59 appearances, tallying three goals and 19 assists. After a successful year playing indoor soccer at the Pittsburgh Spirit (15 goals and 8 assists in 21 games), Conn joined the NASL's San Jose Earthquakes, making two appearances in 1980. Smith played 15 games for the Los Angeles Aztecs and five for the Seattle Sounders during the 1976 NASL Season.

8. One-club men

Rangers manager Willie Waddell. Photo: rangers.co.uk

Rangers skipper John Greig homecoming & fans celebrate 1972 ECWC final win pic.twitter.com/800xyHcBgk

— RetroScotsFitbapics (@RetroScotsFitba) August 3, 2015

Rangers manager, Willie Waddell, was a one-club man during his playing career. Rangers captain, John Greig, was a one-club man both as a player and manager. His involvement with the club continues to this day.

9. A record still stands

Rangers and Dynamo Moscow have played each other on six occasions - three friendlies and three official games. The Gers have never lost to Dynamo, winning five matches and drawing one (the 1945 friendly). The teams last met in 2001, in the UEFA Cup Round of 16.

10. Success for both teams

The 1972 Cup Winners' Cup Final remains both Rangers and Dynamo's greatest success in European competition. Rangers came close to a second European trophy in 2008, but lost to Zenit Saint Petersburg in the Final of the 2007-08 UEFA Cup.

by Aleks V |

2017 marks the 160th anniversary of the world's first football club, Sheffield FC. Sheffield 160 is a bi-weekly series that goes behind the scenes of the historic club through interviews with players and staff.

This week, Aleks chats with former Sheffield FC Ladies defender, Natasha Cooke, on her time at the club.

Cooke was instrumental in helping the team win the treble in the 2013-14 season, as the SFC Ladies became champions of the FA Women's Premier League Northern Division, also taking home the FA Women's Premier League Cup as well as the Sheffield & Hallamshire County Women's Challenge Cup. In 2014, she became the 15th player to make 100 appearances for the club. Her individual awards include 2011/12 Manager's Player.

Natasha Cooke playing for Sheffield FC Ladies away at Bradford City, 2014.

What were your first impressions of Sheffield (the city and club)?
When I first turned up to a training session, I found the players to be very friendly. They made me feel at ease straight away. The players showed real togetherness, which was great to feel and be a part of. The club was also very professional, and I got a good feel for the club immediately.

What made the experience at SFC unique?
If it wasn't for [General Manager] Helen Mitchell, then there wouldn't have been a club. She lived and breathed the club. She wore many different hats; being the manager, club secretary, coach, marketing/PR, to even washing the kit! She was very well respected, and if we ever needed a reason to perform to our best (which we did anyways), then she was the reason.

Describe your most memorable game at Sheffield. 
I was a part of so many memorable games at the club and have a variety of silverware. But for me, it has to be the friendly against Doncaster Rovers Belles. I was up against [winger/forward] Sue Smith and [midfielder] Millie Bright and at the point we played them, they were in Super League One, which meant we were the underdogs. We didn't win the game, but drew 2-2, and the passion and commitment from all the players was amazing. It felt like a cup final. Prior to the game, I had been hesitating whether or not to commit for another season, and after that game, it confirmed for me that I would be making the right decision in committing myself for a further season.

Do you stay in touch with anyone at the club? Have you been back to visit?
I have been in touch with a few people, like [midfielder] Leanne de Silva, [defender] Ellie Gilliat and Wardy (SFC Ladies Captain, Carla Ward). I haven't spoken to any of them for a while now, but follow their progress on social media. I haven't yet been to watch them play, although I do keep saying I would like to, but never have got round it. However, I may get a chance to play against them in a pre-season friendly this summer!

You missed the first half of a season, traveling around Canada and the US. Can you talk a bit about that?
This had been something that I had been wanting to do for a while. My dream was to visit America. The hardest thing apart from leaving family was having to leave the club for six months. I had an amazing time over there and learnt a lot about myself. It's something I would recommend to anyone.

The intention was to go out to Canada and train with a team, but unfortunately they had finished their season, which was disappointing. So I played for a volleyball team instead.

There were many significant moments for me out there, like meeting Robert Downey Jr. at Venice Beach, being caught up in a shoot out in Hollywood. I stayed in Hollywood for a week and every day I visited the Runyon Canyon, which was full of hills and a great place for running and walking. Each time I visited that place, I would stand at the top whilst looking at the Hollywood sign, which was breathtaking. Mainly, the culture was completely different to the English. The Canadians and Americans are so laid back, happy and really friendly. It makes you realise how the English are so fast paced and are wrapped up in everything.

What has been your biggest challenge thus far?
For me, there have been two challenges that stood out. The first was coming back from travelling and joining the team halfway through the season. I felt I was forever playing catch up and didn't feel

100% fit. I remember my first game back against Manchester City and thinking, "Oh my God, what have I done?" I didn't feel or appear to be the player I was before I went away. Secondly, a big challenge for me was taking the decision to quit football due to personal reasons. Football up to then was everything to me, and it was a very hard decision to make, but it needed to be made. It was never anything about the club, as it was fantastic.
Is there one piece of advice you would give yourself before you began your career?
To give yourself the best possible chance to play at the highest level. Take the opportunities given to you. When I was younger, I had the opportunity to play at a higher level and receive top coaching, but decided to stay put and play with my mates. It is a decision that I regret a lot. Also, work just as hard off the pitch as you do on the pitch.

Natasha Cooke with the FA Women's Premier League Cup, 2014. Photo: Sheffield FC via Flickr

Natasha Cooke is a former defender for Sheffield FC Ladies.

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Conor Higginson at Sheffield FC. Photo: sheffieldfc.com

What were your first impressions of Sheffield (the club and city)? Did they change over time?
I had just left full time football a few weeks before Mark Shaw (Manager) and Ian Whitehorn (General Manager) expressed an interest in signing me for Sheffield FC. It was a no-brainer for me, the appeal to be a part of the oldest football club in the world was too great. I couldn't turn it down! I could see there was a setup and structure in place that could really go places. My impression didn't change throughout the season. The team was successful and I was playing well; we came really close that season to gaining promotion and were really unlucky not to. I often look back and think what could have been...

Describe your most memorable game at Sheffield FC.
For me, it would have to be Grantham Town at home. We won 2-0 and I scored, which always helps! They were flying form wise and they fancied themselves before kick off, but we absolutely popped them off the park. They had no answer to us going forward, we were solid at the back and a force going forward that night. The gaffer, Mark Shaw, had drilled into us a style of play that not many teams could deal with at that level, which made most games that season really enjoyable.  

Do you stay in touch with anyone from SFC? Have you been back to visit?
I still stay in touch with a few of the supporters there, they are a great bunch. I have recently played Sheffield FC twice this season for my current club, Spalding United. We have beat them twice and I've actually scored in both games. I got some stick, but it was all good natured!

What has been the biggest challenge you've had to face during your playing career?
Probably the decision to leave Worksop Town after three years. I was captain of the club and had a special relationship with the supporters there. It was like losing a limb leaving that day. I'm not going to go into detail, but sometimes things happen at clubs that you don't agree with, and it makes your job on the playing side difficult. That being said, things are moving in the right direction at the club now, and I still look out for their results every week!

What's a typical day like for you now that you're playing part-time?
I currently work at Center Parcs full time at the moment, as well as juggling my football at Spalding United. It can be tough physically when I'm out most of the week, but that's part and parcel of being a semi-professional. I wouldn't change anything for the world at the moment though, I love it!  

Is there any advice you wish you were given before you began your career?
Not really. It's only a short career, so you haven't got time to dwell on decisions you make. It's happened, you move on. I have always been told to play with a smile on my face no matter what and play every game as if it's my last. You won't go far wrong if you follow that!

Conor Higginson at Spalding United. Photo: Jake Whiteley

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