Range of role models is a joy for Joelle
As a youngster, Joelle Murray idolised both David Beckham and Julie Fleeting.
Hours spent watching Manchester United star Becks and record Scotland goalscorer Julie in action only made her more determined to follow in their footsteps.
Now the Hibs Ladies captain is relishing the opportunity to inspire the next generation of female footballers.
Joelle said: “Growing up, I had a male hero and a female one. I looked up to David Beckham, he played in the same position and I wanted to be like him.
“In terms of a female hero, probably like most female players of my generation, it was Julie Fleeting.
“She was a role model, and still is a role model, and she made great strides down south and in America.”
Midfielder Joelle, 31, is the South East region ambassador for the Scottish FA’s Girls’ Soccer Centres — presented by sponsors SSE — as well as being manager of the Hibernian Girls Academy.
She said: “Nowadays, there are so many role models across the country for young girls, especially now that the Soccer Centres are up and running in every region.
“They are pretty much a first introduction to football for young girls, who come along and play football in a fun and friendly environment with other girls who share a similar interest in the game.
“I’m so proud to be involved because, if what I’m doing can have even just a small impact on the next generation coming through, that’s fantastic.
“There’s definitely is a lot more interest now in terms of the female side of the game. When I started out, I was the only girl playing in the local boys’ teams. financial support. Without it, we wouldn’t be in the position that we’re in now.”
The SSE Scottish Women’s Cup holds a special place in Joelle’s heart now that Hibs have won it for the last two years.
And this year’s final on November 4 could be extra special for one young fan too thanks to our brilliant competition to design the trophy.
The lucky winner will also enjoy hospitality at the match and receive £ 1000 worth of sports kit for their school.
Joelle added: “As players, the Scottish Cup is something you want to take part in and also win.
So, for a young boy or girl to have the chance to be involved in that experience at such a young age through this competition is massive.
“We’ve won the Scottish Cup two years in a row and we are hoping to make it a treble this year.
“It’s a journey that everyone wants to go on and come out at the end with the winners’ medal and the trophy.”