Interview: Casey Stoney “I am the fittest I have ever been”

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Having just finished a coaching session with children at the launch of The McDonald’s Football Mum of the Year Award, Casey Stoney spoke to Sportsister about becoming a mum herself and the fast approaching Women’s World Cup in Canada.

About the initiative

“Celebrating football mums across the country, this an initiative to recognise the hard work mums put in behind the scenes supporting their children, whether that be driving them to training, washing the kit or getting involved in coaching.

It’s great to see many more mums getting involved at the clubs and not just behind the scenes. Now that you regularly see women playing in the media I think it filters down and women are realising that they can get involved at all levels of the game.

I can see first hand how hard it is now, Megan (Casey’s partner) has been absolutely incredible, she’s got the hardest job looking after the twins, I am out training a lot but she’s been brilliant. I couldn’t do what she does and I have so much respect for her.

On her fitness

“I am the fittest I have ever been, I am balancing training and helping look after my own six month twins so it’s a busy time for me too – but it’s all going well.

World Cup selection is looking very positive, the squad is being announced in a couple of weeks and I have done everything I can to get myself there. I am fitter than ever, I’ve trained as hard as I can, so now it’s just down to the selections.

A positive year for the game

“I think it’s going to be a really positive summer for our team whatever happens, the media coverage is growing all the time and with the BBC showing all the games, the fans can really get to know the players and get behind the team.

The quality of the game is improving too, so it’s all come together at the right time.”

Canada

“We’re playing on Astroturf, which isn’t ideal, but it’s the same for everyone so we just have to get on with it. Ticket sales have been going through the roof, so it should be an amazing atmosphere and a great tournament.

Our first game is against France which is going to be tough, they are dark horses to win the tournament. Then we play Mexico and Columbia - it’s a group we can definitely get out of, and we really are aiming for the 6 points.”

Olympic disappointment

“The World Cup is the biggest stage for us to prove ourselves on now that we won’t be playing at the Olympics. It’s a huge tragedy for us after the momentum of London 2012 and a case of politics getting in the way of sport.”

The future

“When I do retire I see myself getting involved in management and coaching, I love this game and I want to stay in it – it’s my life -It’s an absolute passion. I want to work at the elite level of the sport in either the women’s or men’s game, whichever opportunities come my way.”

Danielle Sellwood, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

Nominations for the McDonald’s Football Mum of the Year Award are now open and will close on 19th June 2015. To nominate a mum you know go to mcdonalds.co.uk/mumoftheyear.
Follow on twitter: @BetterPlayUK

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