Cam Brady-Stowe
Tell us how you first got into women’s football. You were a player at one time?
Ha, yes that was back in the day. I played for a couple of successful teams in London. We’re talking early 90s. I was good at spotting weaknesses in opponents and I realised people were listening to my views. And we were winning games! So I took the formal courses to become a coach. There was never any money in it back then though. Just the glory.
What took you to Norway?
Money! An opportunity came up to manage on a semi-professional basis. I wanted to see if I could make a living in this sport that I enjoyed so much.
And you did.
Yes, each time I’ve moved on, I’ve climbed another rung of the ladder. I’m very grateful to the people over the years who believed in me and gave me chances.
What achievement has given you the most satisfaction?
I’m never satisfied. Always looking for the next challenge.
Who’s the best player you’ve worked with?
Hah! I don’t need to boost anyone’s ego. There’s quite enough preening in our sport already.
Ok, outside of football, what’s your biggest regret?
Umm... well, I got kicked out of the navy when I was a teenager. Not sure I’ll ever come to terms with that one.
Really! Why, what happened?
Got caught being too friendly with some visiting sailors in a pub on shore leave. In those days, you couldn’t be gay and in the Forces. So that was that. The next day I heard my name on the ship’s Tanoy. Instant dismissal.
Wow. That must've been devastating. We have come a long way.
Yes, I’m looking forward to an official apology from the government one day. Compensation would never make up for what happened though. Family especially – you’ve let them down in the worst way imaginable. There’s no compensation for that.
Although if that bad experience hadn’t happened perhaps you wouldn’t have got into football?
To be honest, I’d swap that – trophies and all - for the military career I should have had.
I see.
Don’t get me wrong, I love football and my role in it. The places it’s taken me, the people I’ve met. Priceless. No point dwelling on what might have been. Make the best of what life shows you.
Indeed! You’re also a distinguished yachtswoman?
I was first put in a sail boat on my own when I was 6 or 7 years old. I’ve been winning races since my teens. That’s something I’m very grateful to football for. Giving me enough income so that I can waste it on boats and mooring fees.
Ha ha!
Ok, last question. What advice would you give to a young girl hoping for a professional career?
Don’t hope – work! Look after your body. Train hard and don’t cut corners. Then get a good agent!
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Alfonso
Oh Cam, for sure. We work together I think really well. I'm learning so much from her every day. Then of course to be in the top English women's league. In my opinion, it's the best in the world. More and more competitive every season.
There is so much opportunity for me to improve myself, working with the best players and with the support of the club for the resources.
Your expertise is unusual. You are a qualified physio as well as being a coach. How do you take advantage of that combination?
I think it's very helpful. I can help the players a lot and make the connection between how they move on the pitch and what muscles they need to make stronger. Also with the injuries. I understand when they can come back to play and still be safe.
I love to study the body, the way it moves, how it becomes stronger through healing. Really it makes you think of God’s work. How could something so complex, so unbelievable in the details of its design, even exist without a Power, a Being who creates it?
On the other hand, the knees! I don’t know. They are so vulnerable. Maybe He takes his eyes from the ball with the knees!
Ha! Ha! Unfortunately, we've seen in Spain some negative attitudes and behaviours towards players...
Oh it makes me so angry, so embarrassed really for football in my country but also many other places in the world.
How do you build trust with the players when that sort of thing is still going on?
I think it's so important to treat all people with respect. And to listen to players. Sometimes I see staff just talk down to them. I make it a prioity to earn their trust. Sometimes I wish they could have a little less trust! I’ve seen and heard some things that probably no man he should know about!
Hahaha! How are your family settling into life in England?
Well I have told them to be prepared for the weather in winter! No but seriously, they are getting used to the ways here. My wife she is a Spanish teacher for sports people so she is very good with the English. I am improving I think! Our two children are very young - 4 and 7 years. So they want to know where their granma and cousins are. We hope Sofia's sister will come to live with us soon.
How are you feeling about the upcoming season?
Very excited! We have come in, both Cam and myself, a little late with not much time to prepare for the season. But the girls are working very hard and are helping us to adjust as much as we are helping them. -
Abbie McPhee
Hi Arun. It's all good, thanks. Can't wait to get started.
The mood seems positive since Cam and Alfonso arrived?
Yeh, they are shaking things up a bit, which is what we needed. They're being careful not to bring too many changes at once though. They're introducing new ideas a step at a time.
Sounds an exciting time to be a Beachcomber?
Absolutely, yes.
So you've been with the team nearly 4 years and as captain since last season. Tell us a bit about how you came here from Glasgow in your native Scotland. Football wasn't your only sport?
That's right. I was competing at nationals-level in judo as a teenager. Then I got into kickboxing in a big way. Football was always part of my life though.
Did you have to choose in the end?
I'd say football chose me really. It's the only sport that offers a career but there weren't the opportunities to go professional in Scotland at that time. I hadn't even thought about it but some friends we're saying things were progressing fast in England. A scout put me in touch with Pevantsea 'cos they were looking for a versatile defender.
Then you moved away from your family for the first time?
Yes. To be honest, I'd said yes to the contract before I'd even looked up the town on a map. I had no idea it was so far south.
Hahaha! So I have some questions here from fans.
Fire away.
What track are you listening to the most lately on your phone.
Lately it's Chet Baker, I Get Along Without You Very Well.
Oh I know that song! It's amazing! That's a real break-up tune though.
Haha, no comment!
Ok, next question. What's your ideal holiday?
Um, rock climbing definitely. Can't do that just now though due to the insurance restrictions on players.
Who were your football role models growing up?
I didn't see football much on TV, to be honest. Our family is close but we're half blue and half green...
Glasgow Rangers and Celtic?
Yes. So mum never let us watch football in the house. Dad took me to see a couple of old firm games at Rangers. The rivalry was something else… yeh intense!
Were you aware of any female players?
Not as a youngster. When I came to Pevantsea they said I needed to check out the top players in my positions. I learned a lot watching Gilly Flaherty and Anita Sante and I really admire the Dutch defenders van der Gragt and Spitse.
Do you use your martial arts skills in your defensive play?
Haha! Have you seen me put a tackle in?
Well indeed! We'll take that as a yes then. Next question, are you studying as well as playing?
I finished my Business degree last year thankfully. No more essays!
Lastly, what would you like to do after football?
Go back to Glasgow and help the league develop there. Hopefully my Business studies would come in handy.
