For her country or club, Cassia has right stuff
FOOTBALLER Cassia Pike is a Wales international who plays for Liverpool in the FA Women’s Super League. She took her first-team bow for the Reds at the age of 16 in a FA WSL Continental Tyres Cup tie at Sunderland in December 2017, then, in January 2018, made her home debut for the Merseysiders as a substitute in a 2-0 WSL win over Bristol City.
After winning caps for Wales up to under-19 level, in 2017 she was part of a full senior squad which travelled to the Netherlands for A and B internationals. Cassia played in the lowerprofile B game behind closed doors.
The Porthmadog teenager took time out from her busy schedule to chat to the Herald. Under-15, U17 and U19 and I was part of the senior squad which travelled to the Netherlands last year.
Making my debut at the age of 16 with Liverpool. It gave me faith and self belief, which is something I will always have in life. What are your main strengths and weaknesses as a player?
My weakness is calmness on the ball, I need to stay composed which will allow me to take care of the ball and maintain possession. My strengths are my athleticism, being able to run effectively whether it being to defend or attack. I am confident in one v one too, which is an important part of my game, being a winger.
I look up to the girls that are at Liverpool, they are older and have a lot of experience. By training with them week in, week out there is nothing stopping me from developing as they do. I am lucky to be learning from the best, therefore, they are my role models.
Globally, women’s football is coming along, the ladies are exactly the same as the men, hence why we should receive the same amount of respect and support. Unfortunately, it’s not what we are receiving right now, but I have every faith in the women’s football to develop, the only way is forward.
I feel like the media coverage is good for women’s football, although attention isn’t paid to it as much as the men’s.
I have been training with the Reds and getting some game minutes, but I believe I have a lot of work to do on and off the pitch, and I have no reason not to achieve this. I have the correct attitude and determination which will help me reach my goals.
I am now aware of how clubs and international teams play, I am able to adjust to many different styles of play and formations, which means my position may need adjusting at times, and I am able to deal with that well as they have taught me what is expected and how to be successful in that position. When going back to club football, it is sometimes different as clubs may play differently, which it is in my case, but, luckily, I can adjust quickly and this is simply because of experience. professional footballer from the day I stepped on to a football pitch, it will be a dream come true to sign a professional contract for any club, football is something I would do any day for the rest of my life. I am aware that education is just as important, therefore, I will continue to study sports in college and, hopefully, in Uni so that I have something to fall back on. RANDOM QUESTIONS As a footballer, can you eat what you want or do you need to keep to a strict diet?
You can’t eat everything you want. This is not because they want to be mean and strict, it is because whatever you eat is your fuel for training and games, the better the nutrients the better your performance will be. This is why it is vital to eat healthy.
I continue to go to the gym, but I also love spending time with my friends, I try to make sure I see them as much as possible. The last film I saw was A Star is Born and it was emotional, but very good. I also love rugby and if I had more time on my hands I would love to play at a high level.