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Elaine wants NI players to reach new heights

FIFA’S slogan for the 2019 Women’s World Cup ‘Dare To Shine’ is a catchphrase that resonates with Elaine Junk.

Elaine attended Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final in Lyon (inset) as the United States proved their class with a 2-0 win over the Netherlands.

It was a fitting denouement to a thrilling tournament that captured the hearts and minds of football fans across the planet.

“It was totally unreal,” Elaine said. “I went out for the final on Sunday with the Irish FA, representing women’s football. It is an experience I will never forget.

“Seeing the final up close, it was nearly surreal. You come from a wee country town from Northern Ireland, and then you are sitting as an invited guest at a Women’s World Cup final.

“The tournament just leaves you thinking how incredible it would be if you could inspire a young girl from here to reach that level.

“It is obviously a big step for any country to reach a Women’s World Cup. The strapline to the tournament was ‘dare to shine’, and I suppose for each of us in different national associations, we are at various points on that pathway.

“In Northern Ireland, we are trying to build on the participation level, and bring young kids through at primary school level, and getting them to love football. Getting them into local clubs, and supporting those clubs to help them provide a great football experience for these youngsters.

“The more youngsters that come through the clubs, then hopefully more of them stay in football and don’t drop out of it, and then they hopefully progress to international teams, and at one stage qualify for a major tournament.”

Elaine offers a blunt assessment of her own playing career.

“I am absolutely rubbish as a player. A number of years ago one of my juniors actually told me I couldn’t kick snow off a rope,” the Mid Ulster Ladies official joked.

Despite some limitations on the pitch, Elaine’s volunteering efforts in women’s football have helped sustain her love of the beautiful game.

“I have been involved in football coming up on 25 years now,” she said.

“I always wanted to be involved in football, and try and make a difference. I had the opportunity to attend Sunday’s Women’s World Cup final as a female volunteer who came through the administration side of things.

“I will always be grateful for the opportunities football has presented me.”

Elain e was the first ever female volunteer to complete the Uefa certificate in football management, and last year she was honoured with the prestigious People’s Award at the ’Mcdonald’s Irish FA Grassroots Football Awards gala.

“I suppose my skill set is off the pitch, whether that be from helping kid s tie their laces, sorting out kits, booking pitches, fundraising, of helping with whatever issues may arise,” Elaine added.

“Our club ethos up at Mid Ulster Ladies is to be the best you can be, both on and off the pitch. And in my case, it has obviously been off the pitch.

“Every club needs a great backroom team to be successful. And they need volunteers.

“That can be the people who sort out the pitches, the league registrations, and there are lots of different opportunities at every club, from committee roles to coaching roles. You could become a referee, be a media professional, get into sports nutrition or physiotherapy.

“A lot of it is reaching out and taking those opportunities. It isn’t just what happens on the pitch, it is the wider aspect. And that’s where it is invaluable to have the partnership with Electric Ireland, and the work the Irish FA does.”

Elaine added: “We want to provide a great footballing experience, so that girls want to play for their local club.

“It is crucial that we provide opportunities for young girls to step out onto the pitch initially in their club colours, and then progress to put on the green and white of Northern Ireland.”