The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Mother and daughter team up to make footballing history
Perth pair are first such relatives to play together in competitive match in the UK
Two Perth footballers are believed to have made history by becoming the first mother and daughter to play together in a competitive match in the UK.
Rachel Wolecki joined mum Donna Shaw on the pitch as Jeanfield Swifts ladies’ team battled it out against league leaders Glasgow Girls.
Rachel has been playing for the club since she was seven years old and made her debut for the ladies’ team two months ago.
Donna, 35, said that when she saw the 14-year-old was coming on to the field 30 minutes before the end of the game, she assumed she was coming on as substitute for herself.
“I thought I was being substituted but instead it was someone else,” she said.
“We both play centre midfield normally but she played left midfield in the game.
“There was always the possibility it could happen but I didn’t expect it to be so soon.
“Rachel is such a talented player ... and I was delighted to see her running on to the pitch and joining me in midfield. It brought a smile to my face.
“It was a really tough game and as one the oldest in the team, seeing my daughter coming on with fresh legs to help me out was special.”
She added: “Rachel has played for Scotland under-15s and has a bright future ahead of her.”
Rachel said: “My mum has always been there supporting me throughout my football but it was a bit weird coming on to play beside her.
“Looking back it is a special thing we have done, my mum has inspired me for years to be the best I can be. I am just happy that I’m breaking into the ladies’ team.”
Although Jeanfield Swifts lost the match 2-0, all of Rachel and Donna’s team-mates were delighted to play their part in creating a little bit of history.
Footballing talent clearly runs in the family – Donna’s son Evan is 11 and plays for St Johnstone under-13s. kmcintosh@thecourier.co.uk
It brought a smile to my face. DONNA SHAW
Being called in to a senior football squad at the age of 14 is no mean feat. It had always been Rachel Wolecki’s goal to play for the Jeanfield Swifts first team, but she never imagined she would be sharing the pitch with her mother.
For her part, mum Donna is not only proud Rachel has been chosen to play for the same team, she is also very relieved — she later admitted her daughter is a “nightmare” to play against.