I’m proud to be role model for female players
The only football role models Caroline Weir had as a kid were men.
But Julie Fleeting changed all that. Suddenly, Weir had someone to follow, a name to emulate and be inspired by.
Now, Weir is one of a host of Scottish female players who the next generation of girls is looking up to.
And after being named as the first ever Glen’s Scottish Footba ll Wr i t e rs Association Women’s International Player of the Year, the 26- year- old is delighted to be showing talented youngsters what can be achieved.
Weir was a stand-out for club and country this year – and beat Erin Cuthbert, Jen Beattie and Rachel Corsie to the inaugural award. She watched a recent TV documentary on former Arsenal and Scotland star Fleeting, a trailblazer for girls in the sport.
And Weir said: “Growing up, I didn’t really have those female role models. It was the men I watched, they were who I wanted to be like.
“But as I got a bit older Julie’s name was the one that popped up. I followed her at Arsenal and when I went to watch the national team, she was the big star.
“She paved the way for so many of us and really put women’s footbal l in Scotland on the map.
“Players like Julie then Kim Little and Gemma Fay have helped grow the game in Scotland and made it easier for players of my generation.
“The thought of young girls now being inspired by me is a nice feeling because I just didn’t have that growing up.”
Weir came through Hibs’ academy before starring for Glasgow City, Arsenal, Bristol and Liverpool and now Manchester City.
She has access to worldclass facilities at the Etihad Campus, training on the next pitch to superstars such as Jack Grealish, Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva.
Weir, who netted for City in their win over Brighton yesterday, said: “It’s class. I dreamt about having these facilities around me.
“Pep Guardiola has also spoken to us and watched our training sessions because we’re on the pitch next door. They know exactly what’s going on with us. “It’s a one club mentality which is good to be part of.
“Kevin De Bruyne and I sat and had a coffee on the 3G pitch, which separates the men’s and women’s side.
“Did I give Kevin passing tips? I think it was the other way round. He’s great and interested in our team.”
Weir is out of contract at City in the summer and has already been linked with a move to Real Madrid.
She said: “It’s flattering as Madrid are a massive club.
“Nothing has been decided and I’m focused on the next few weeks. We’ll see what happens.
“And I am delighted to receive this award. As a player playing outside Scotland it is nice to get recognition from people back home.”
The girls thou are ght insp irednow me is by nice