Meet the Jesuan women playing in the Varsity football match
This year’s Women’s Varsity football match is being held on Sunday 10 March at Barnet FC’s ground, alongside the Men’s Varsity match.
Undergraduate Finn Ranson (2017) interviewed the two Jesuan women involved: forward Jen Atherton (2017), who scored twice in 2018's Varsity match, and last year’s captain Katy Edwards (2015).
Jen Atherton, Medicine
How does it feel building up to your second Varsity match compared to last year as a fresher?
Last year I’d say I was equally excited and nervous, whereas this time I’m definitely more excited! Varsity day last year was honestly just a blur of fun; the loss was the only souring point. I’m hoping this year that both the team and I can come back stronger and win!
How has the team’s season gone so far?
The season started like an absolute train with a 5-1 win over Oxford followed by a number of other strong results, so we were flying high in the league.
In the second half of the season our results haven’t been as strong as our performances. I think the team is playing the best football it has ever played in my two seasons here; it’s an honour to play on the pitch with such a talented bunch.
How long have you been playing football?
I’ve been kicking a football in the garden with my dad and brothers for as long as I can remember, but I didn’t actually start playing football for a local team until secondary school. Since then I’ve played a lot of football and it’s become number one in my life (sorry education).
If you had to compare yourself to a footballer, who would it be and why?
Ellen White. She’s a strong presence on the front line and makes intelligent runs in and around the box. Her passion, work ethic, and drive to succeed are something I hope I always bring to my game.
Tell me something I might not know about you, or about football.
I’ve had a nose job (after breaking my face playing hockey).
Who is your sporting hero and why?
Serena Williams. She’s overcome so much hate and adversity in her life to become undoubtedly the best female tennis player of all time. The woman had a baby by C-section and nearly died, but is now right back at the top of her game. If that isn’t incredible, I don’t know what is.
Katy Edwards, Veterinary Medicine
What have you been doing to prepare for the Varsity match?
Although Varsity has all the excitement attached to it, from a playing point of view it’s just another match, so the best preparation is simply training as normal.
To bring the team together we also do social events in the week leading up to the match, including a whole club dinner (where we present the match kit) and a film night to help us relax during a stressful part of the term.
What was the mood in the dressing room like after last year’s loss?
The result last year was obviously disappointing, but coming back into the dressing room there was a sense of pride in our performance and a huge sense of team spirit. There’s never been a better example of the age-old classic “win together, lose together”. It was a privilege to be part of the team last year, victorious or not.
What are the main strengths of the Blues side?
Individually each player in the squad this year is hugely talented but, as a side, our main strength is the way we play as a team and capitalise on each player’s individual strengths.
How long have you been playing football?
I’ve played football my whole life, starting in my primary school team when the only position a girl was allowed to play was goal (they soon realised I was better out field!).
How would you describe your playing style?
Maybe it’s the vet influence but I imagine myself as a terrier – I might not be the biggest of players but I’m stronger than I look and tenacious as hell. As a central midfielder I like to play quick one-touch passes to get the ball past the opposition.
Tell me something I might not know about you, or about football.
Cambridge University is credited with drawing up the original rules of football in 1848. A statue to commemorate this was installed last year on Parker’s Piece in the corner by the fire station.
Who is your sporting hero and why?
Fran Kirby, the Chelsea and England Women’s striker. I had the privilege of playing with her during my time at Reading Women’s FC and to train alongside such a dedicated and talented player was so inspiring. Even though I was a long way below her in terms of standard (she’d frequently dribble past me as if I was a stationary mannequin) she was always kind and encouraging, which was amazing.
