International Women's Week 2022: Eve Kennerley

Today is International Women’s Day and we are continuing our International Women’s Week series by spotlighting Eve Kennerley who plays for FC United’s Women’s team. She begins by telling us about her footballing family and how she got into the game:

“Growing up I was kicking a ball around from a young age. My dad was involved in football playing and then becoming a manager and I remember going everywhere with him to watch his team play. I guess, this is where my love for football first started. My Dad also played at a high level and was a really good player, but unfortunately, I didn’t get to watch him in his prime. Listening to other people speak about my dad’s ability made me feel really proud. 

When I was in primary school, I would always play football with the boys. There was no girls team back then so If I wanted to play football, it would be in the boys’ team. The boys loved me playing as they knew that I was better than them all and they treated me like I was one of them. However, when playing against other schools I would often hear, ‘as if there is a girl playing for their team’. At the time I didn’t think anything of this, it just gave me the motivation to show them how good I was.”

Eve speaks about the challenges she faced even as a young girl wanting to play football:

“Between the ages of 7-11, I played for my local team, Poulton Town FC. Unfortunately, when I was growing up a rule stipulated that no girl was allowed to play in a boys’ team past the age of 11. I didn’t understand this at the time, however looking back now it was due to a number of safeguarding issues which prevented me from playing with them. Thankfully the rules have now changed and a number of measures have been put in place to allow girls and boys to be part of the same team.

My previous clubs I’ve played for at the ages of:

11-13 - Blackpool Ladies

13- 16 - Blackburn Rovers Centre of Excellence

16- 18 - Liverpool Women

18- 19 - Man City Women

19 – 21 - Everton Women

21 – 23 - AFC Fylde Women

23 – 25 - Blackburn Rovers Ladies

25 - Present, FC United Women”

Eve tells us about her experience at FC United and how it is different to other places she has played:

“The ‘One Club’ philosophy at FC United is certainly unique. At other clubs there is a complete divide between the men and women’s team. Although we share the same badge, this is where it ends. At FC United there is a real family connection. The men and women train on the same night, we all play our home games in the main stadium but above all this, we all know each other - which to me, just shows the family connection of the club and how special it is. In addition to this It is nice to see Board Members, The CEO, and the Chair of the Club regularly attending the women’s home and away games.

When I was asked to sign for the club, I didn’t realise it was fan owned. I quickly learnt what this meant to everyone and I soon bought into this. Whilst playing you don’t see the passion from the fans as you are immersed in your own game. However, since being out injured and standing next to the fans, you really get a sense of pride to what it means to everyone.”

During her time playing football, Eve has seen positive changes in the game:

“I have seen noticeable improvements in Women’s Football. All I have ever known is playing football. There have been challenges and barriers to overcome but thankfully over the last few years Women’s Football has become a driving force across the world. The TV and media coverage we receive is incredible. Watching the likes of Man City and Chelsea on the TV give girls and women aspirations to achieve their own successes. For me, there is still room for improvements for women’s football. I would like to see equal pay, sponsorship opportunities and similar number of fans in stadiums.

It is nice to see and live the changes that have happened to date, however, with more exposure, continual promotion, who knows, one day, I may get my wish and Football is just seen as ‘One Game’.”

Eve talks about the day her footballing career changed:

“Sunday 14th November 2021 will always be a day that will never leave me. FC United were drawn at home to Brighouse in the Women’s FA cup. All week leading up to the game there was a bounce in training and we knew we had a real opportunity to knock out a team playing at a higher level than ourselves. We had a really strong side out on paper and we felt really confident that we could cause an upset.

Brighouse scored and were holding on to their 1-0 advantage. However, on the 78th minute of the game, whilst pushing for an equaliser, my career was about to take a turn for the worse.

There was a high ball that bounced just inside our own half. As I went in for the challenge I just recall hitting the ground in absolute agony. I don’t recall much after this moment apart from the wonderful work of our physio, the support from the girls and coaches and of course, Steve, one of the paramedics. Due to the high levels of gas and air I was inhaling I thought it was so funny to have a paramedic by the name of Steve looking after Eve. I doubt anyone else thought it was funny but it certainly helped me deal with the pain!

My Dad was watching the game and he was encouraged to come onto the pitch. I just remember him not saying much as he was most probably in shock and hurt too, just looking over me led there not being able to do anything more to take my pain away. The paramedics got me into the ambulance to take me to North Manchester General Hospital and this is where I learnt about the extent of my injury. The news I feared soon became reality. I had a double fracture of the Tibia and Fibula. The surgeon said that was too dangerous to operate immediately, mainly due to the swelling. I went down to Theatre on Thursday 18th November and thankfully the operation was a success. The surgeon inserted a metal rod in my leg to enable the bones to heal.

Since the operation I have been back to see my surgeon three times and he is delighted with the progress I am making. The X-Rays show there is no more damage to the area and has now discharged me. This was the best news for me and I can now focus on my road to recovery and playing for FC United once again.”

Looking to the future, Eve talks about her journey to recovery:

“For me personally I just cannot wait to get back playing. This is the first major injury in my career and I have learnt so much whilst having to watch the games from the side lines. I have felt guilty at times as I haven’t been able to help the girls and I often watch thinking I wish I could be out there. I’m so grateful to all the physios that are helping me with my rehab. Without them I don’t know what I would have done. I’m now at a stage where I can complete my own training at the club. Completing an hour’s exercise on the stationary bike is certainly a step in the right direction. Although I doubt I will play again this season, my focus is on next season and coming back fitter and stronger.”

She shares her hopes for younger girls wanting to play football for FC United:

“I’m aware that there has been a lot of discussion around this but speaking on behalf of me and all the women in the team we would love to see the introduction of a girls’ academy at FC United. This would help the development of younger girls in football and education. The boys currently have a thriving academy, and we would like to see the girls have the same opportunity.”

The future of women’s football is certainly exciting to be part of. We have come such a long way and I’m certain that with more publicity, support and togetherness we can continue to thrive and grow”

Keep an eye out for the rest of our International Women’s Week series continuing tomorrow!