Linguist Povey signs for United
M’head United Women: ‘Experienced’ Alicia set for debut
Maidenhead United Women have captured the signing of the experienced and well-travelled Alicia Povey, who, subject to FA ratification, could be in line to make her Magpies debut against Queens Park Rangers in the FAWNL Plate on Sunday.
Should that go through as expected, Povey will become new manager Ryan Taylor’s second signing since he took over from Nev Saroya in the summer. She will also be his most experienced having spent several seasons playing for Wycombe Wanderers.
Not only that but the 25-year-old has also travelled extensively for work and study, playing football along the way while broadening her footballing and cultural horizons.
Speaking this week, Povey said: “I’m a linguist – I studied Spanish and Russian at university – so when I lived and worked abroad, I always took the opportunity to get involved with football. Before I started my degree, I lived in a small town near Alicante teaching English and played for a side called Monóvar Atletico in a league roughly equivalent to the FA Women’s National League.
“Then, during my studies, I worked in
Barcelona and played for CE Vila Olimpica in the Catalonian First Division, becoming the league top goal scorer during my time there. I then swapped sun for snow, moving to Russia to study at St. Petersburg State University and played beach football with WFC Zvezda under the Russian National Team coach and with the majority of the Russian team, on artificial beaches and indoor sports domes, not in the snow!”
The new-signing has also showcased her talents on the Futsal court: “I started playing Futsal at university. Bath were in the BUCS Premier South, which is the top level of university Futsal, and it was both an amazing experience and a baptism of fire! When I left university, I was lucky enough to get involved with Reading Royals Futsal Club – meeting Maidenhead’s own Sarah Thompson in the process – and since then we’ve climbed to the top level of Futsal in England, the FA National Futsal Series.”
Taylor’s side have made a solid if unspectacular start to their FAWNL season but were well beaten in their last outing by Cheltenham Town Ladies.
Povey – a member of the media team at Wycombe – is hoping to help the side kick on this season and will be pushing for a place in the manager’s starting XI.
“I like to think I’m a pain for defenders. I’m quick and like finding space behind the line to create opportunities.
“I’ve played as a striker, an attacking midfielder and a winger, so I’m happy drifting around the pitch to keep defenders guessing.”
Alicia’s transfer is still subject to FA ratification, and she could be in line to make her MUFC debut in the FAWNL Plate tie with Queens Park Rangers at York Road on Sunday 10th October, 3pm.
Admission will be £3 for adults and £2 concessions.