Grange’s Catherine says NI career is huge for her
LEFT back Catherine Hyndman is juggling her college degree in Sports Recreation and Leisure with a busy schedule as part of the NI Women’s National team.
The 25- year- old is definitely enjoying both.
“I was born in Belfast and my family moved to Grange when I was 12. My brothers were all mad into soccer so I started playing when I was about eight and it progressed from there.”
Her club is Castlebar Celtic, which saw former Sligo Rovers player Conor O’Grady take over as manager recently. “The season has its ups and downs, we’ve dropped in number but the girls are doing as best as they can,” added Catherine.
“I’ve been with the Northern Ireland team for a year, I took a wee break from football but I’m back now.
“I suppose in terms of injuries, I’ve had a good few knocks and bangs over the years but never really anything too serious.”
Being an international player means extensive travelling and Catherine has played in various competitions worldwide.
“It’s a big honour for me to represent my country.
“I played with Northern Ireland as an U19, Euros and World Cup Qualifiers.”
She’s also preparing for an upcoming tournament which is taking place in Croatia.
“I’m going away this week for the Istria Cup in Croatia so I’m looking forward to that.
“We’re also in the middle of the Euro qualifiers at the moment.
“We had a good win away to Georgia recently, 3- 0.
“Next up though is going to be a tough home game with Switzerland.
“The girls on that team are all full- time footballers so that stands to them, the last time we played, they won 8- 1.
“It was a big loss for us but hopefully we can come back from that,” Catherine added.
“The squad includes 25 girls and Alfie Wylie is our manager.
“I’m really enjoying being part of the team. It is a big commitment in terms of travelling to matches but it’s totally worth it.
“As I’m studying Sports Recreation and Leisure I’m doing coaching with that too. I was helping John Russell with the FAI schools 5- a- side this week.
“I reckon women’s soccer is definitely on the up. There’s a lot more media coverage about it and the National League is really building so you can see the progression.
“There’s good players coming through to the national team and I think they have a good partner in Continental Tyres which are helping promote the side as well,” Catherine added.
IT’S SUCH AN INCREDIBLE HONOUR TO PLAY FOOTBALL FOR MY COUNTRY