Women’s Under-19s player Heidi Hills spoke of the ‘exciting opportunity’ to test themselves against senior side, Gwalia United, on Sunday in the FA Women’s National League Plate.
Having finished third in the FAWNL Cup group phase, securing our spot in round one of the Plate competition as one of the best third-placed sides, our young side now face a long trip to Wales to take on the Cardiff-based side this weekend.
Usually competing against fellow Professional Game Academy sides week in, week out, the cup competition gives the Under-19s to go toe-to-toe with experienced senior opposition in tiers three and four of the Women’s football pyramid.
Gwalia, who compete in the FAWNL Southern Premier Division (tier three), are one of the highest-ranked sides in the Plate – but defender Heidi is relishing the ‘physical’ challenge on Sunday.
“It’s a really exciting opportunity because we get to test our game style and style of play against senior opposition,” she told us, speaking to SPURSPLAY to preview the game. “It’s a different challenge compared to the PGA, where teams play in similar ways.
“It might be more physical, but that’s good - it helps us set a baseline of where we’re at and where we want to be in the future.
“I hadn’t experienced before,” Heidi said, when asked about the prospect of playing in-front of a packed crowd. “It can be quite daunting but it’s also exciting to see people who want to watch you play - that gives you extra motivation. It’s a cup competition, so we want to go as far as we possibly can.”
As the first phase of the PGA League comes to an end next month – our final game away at Bristol City on Wednesday 5 November – the young energetic full-back has been one of the standout performers.
Featuring in three PGA game so far this campaign, scoring her first goal for the Club last month in the clash with Brighton, the youngster has felt a vast improvement from the side in the early months.
“It's been very positive; in terms of the improvements we've made since the start of the season to now. We're not where we want to be yet, but I think we're starting to get towards where we want to be in the future.
“We had a lot of new players in and obviously a new Head Coach as well, so we’re all gelling together. I think it’s easier because we’re all working towards the same goal, so that’s helped the transition.
“Coming to Spurs was such a new environment, all the analysis sessions, the players and coaches you’re surrounded by, they’ve all come from different places. It has been great to learn from them.”