A YOUNG Jersey footballer has had the chance to experience the ‘powerful excitement’ which is gripping Australia as it hosts the Women’s World Cup.
JCG student Auden Ruelle (15) is a big fan of football, and a footballer herself, and this summer she travelled ‘down under’ to watch the sport’s biggest tournament.
She has seen four games so far, two of which the Lionesses played in, and even had a spot in the stadium for England’s thrilling 3-1 victory over Australia in the semi-final.
With her mother, Helen Ruelle, she has visited Adelaide, Cairns, Melbourne and Sydney, where she is returning for today’s final.
Describing the atmosphere in Australia, Ms Ruelle said: ‘There’s a buzz around, and it starts even when you get on the train. There are posters around, people in all their kit and there is just a really powerful excitement.
‘Everyone, both here and at home, is tuned in to support their team.
‘Off the back of the Euros, people have realised that the women’s games are really good, the quality of football is good and the passion is there. I think people have really started to realise just how good women’s football is.’
Ms Ruelle plays football for various Island teams, and has noticed a recent change in the amount of support for women’s football in Jersey.
‘More people are definitely interested, and many more people are coming to play, even just for a kickabout,’ she said.
She believes the popularity of the World Cup will have an impact on the ‘young level’, saying: ‘You’ll hear many Lionesses say they never knew they were going to be a footballer and that although they always loved football, it was never their dream because they just didn’t know it was possible.
‘But now that we know it is, there is going to be more support for younger girls in football, which will help people achieve their dreams.’
As for whether football could be coming home, Auden said: ‘We have all faith in England. We know that they’ve got more to give and the fire that the team has is incredible. We think England’s going to bring it home. We can’t get too complacent because Spain is a strong team, but I think 2-0 England.’
