Today Corby Town FC interviewed some of it’s rising talent and in particular Ciara and Bobbie. Bobbie started her playing career in September 2016 and for the first year as there was no league she was training only. Bobbie started her league career at U10 in the 2017/2018 Season and Ciara in the 2018/2019 Season. Bobbie was one of the original Wildcats in order to boost the initiative until a team and league was formed and is our longest serving Youth Player (U18)

Bobbie continued to play under Manager Matt until after her 16th Birthday and on her 16th Birthday joined the ladies 1st team squad. Ciara also continued to the end of her U16’s and joined the ladies towards the end of her youth playing. Ciara is also dual signed to the U18’s managed by Chris and supports the team within the Bedfordshire League. Both players have continued to develop their footballing skills and both are now regulars within the Ladies 1st Team. Bobbie can play anywhere across the back line shows a great awareness and reading of the game. She has quickly become one of the most popular within the dressing room and many forget she is still only 16.

Ciara is one of Corby’s most versatile players, playing across the front line where she utilises her speed, agility and that dogged attitude that regularly wins the ball back higher up the field and gets Corby Town’s attacks underway. Ciara can also play anywhere in the middle and also defence. She has quickly become one of the 1st names on the team sheet. Again only 16 years of age.

All our young players are a testament to what Corby Town FC stands for, the development from youth level to gaining those regular starts in the Ladies 1st Team. The clubs philosophy has and always will be to promote and develop and has 8 players aged 21 or below registered for the 1st team with 7 of those players coming through our Corby Town FC Development Pathway.

We asked the girls some questions on their time with Corby Town FC

How old where you when you first started playing football?

Ciara - I was 6 and played for both S&L and Oakley Vale FC Boys Teams
Bobbie - I was 8 years of age when I first started football

How old where you when you joined Corby Town?

Ciara - I was 10 and started in the U11's League
Bobbie -Corby was my first team and started with them at U10's but trained for the 1st year

What’s your favourite thing about playing football?

Ciara - I think my favourite thing would be the competition and learning more about the sport
Bobbie - My Favourite thing is being surrounded by my friends whilst playing the sport I love

Can you remember your first session?

Ciara - Yes it was with Rhianne at West Glebe Astro, we hadn’t yet formed a team
Bobbie - Yes it was with Rhianne and Beth at Maple Fields and we did basic passing drills

What’s your stand out moment playing for Corby Town?

Ciara - My stand out moment would be when I first joined the ladies and my first game where I was moved to different positions which I thought I did well in as before I was always seen as a defender. That game showed that I could play wherever needed.
Bobbie - My stand out moment was playing in goal first half then second half going up front and scoring a hattrick

If anyone was considering starting or their child starting what advice would you give?

Ciara - I would encourage anyone thinking about joining there is good opportunity to
progress in football and Corby Town is also a friendly club
Bobbie - If anyone was considering their child playing for Corby Town the advice I would give them, to most importantly have fun and not to worry about the winning or losing as it’s most important to have fun and making those long lasting friendships

Phil Toon Manager of our Ladies 1st Team went on to say “I am immensely proud of our young players, they have taken the step up to Adult Football in their stride, not only the jump to Ladies Football bit also the jump to a higher league and they have all done both themselves and the club proud. I am pleased to see such great development within the youth section. It is my mission to bridge those gaps from youth to senior football”.

We asked some of their team mates what they think to both Ciara and Bobbie

Bobbie - “A natural leader, calm composed and settled into the first team very easily”

“For such a young player you can see she has such a mature brain on her. You can see that growing up with wildcats and going onto each year with Corby Town has provided Bobbie with the best opportunities and has enabled her to be the best player she can be at her age. Great player and great asset to have on your team”

Ciara - “what a player! She just has bundles of energy and is a great asset to any team who is lucky to have her. The opportunities she has had growing up and being part of Corby Town for so long has definitely enabled her to build her confidence up and become the best player she can be. This is so evident with her dedication and ability she shows on the pitch week in week out!”

“Fierce and strong, wise head on her shoulders considering her age. Always willing to fight for the team”

Well done to both of these young stars who are certainly showing their maturity both on and off the pitch.

Our Ladies are next at Home at Steel Park on the 23rd February 2pm Kickoff and with the Ladies only having 4 games at home so far this season will be looking to utilise that home advantage.