Back in 2019, Tenterden’s Aileen Williams had won a US football scholarship to McKendree University in Illionis.
The midfielder’s American dream though was unfortunately cut short due to COVID-19 as Aileen Williams continued her studies at Surrey University and CommunityAd thought they would catch up with the former Tenterden Junior and Gillingham Ladies footballer 3 years on to discuss future goals and the development of women’s football in England…
Have you been able to go back out to McKendree University and continue your soccer scholarship?
I did not to go back to America due to the complications that COVID-19 unfortunately brought. Since then, I have been having a great time at Surrey and have secured a big placement opportunity at one of the most prestigious sports schools in Europe so I’ve got a lot to look forward to at the moment!
During summer I have pre-season training with a team 3 times a week to maintain my fitness and to keep playing football.
How would you describe the past 3 years from an educational standpoint and a footballing one?
I have just finished my second year at Surrey. I have a placement year beginning this September at Millfield Boarding School before I go into my final year. I have been working hard on my degree and been strongly involved in the football team for the past couple of years.
*How much have you enjoyed watching the Euros this year, has it helped inspire you more for a career in the sport?
The Euros so far has been amazing to watch, the crowds and support for women’s football is unbelievable and growing exponentially year after year. It’s incredibly inspiring to see, England are looking very strong coming out of the group stages – I’m sure they are inspiring the whole nation.
Would you say from your own personal experience, women’s football is much more appreciated and accepted now than perhaps when you grew up playing football and having played and experienced playing the game stateside, would you say there is more catching up to do from the UK or that the development is more even now?
Personally, I would say it’s within the last 7 or 8 years that it’s really taken off in England. The world cup in Canada, 2015, seemed to be a pivotal moment for women’s football in England after they won the bronze medal.
The pathway from grassroots to professional is becoming a lot stronger, however there is a long way to go still. In America, I would say there are still many more opportunities for women, and girls, to play football at a high level especially during university years to become a student-athlete.
Are your long term goals easier to visualise now as when we last spoke everything was very much up in the air. Can you state a future path you want to go down in football and education?
At the moment I’m doing very well at University. I’ve been working hard to pursue career opportunities and through hard work and many interviews I was chosen for some big placement opportunities between a placement in Barcelona or at Millfield School.
Career wise, I decided Millfield would be best for my future and I hope it will kickstart my career in sport. It’s a great opportunity and insight into high level sport and great for networking too.
I will work primarily with girls aged 13-18 football coaching. Millfield School is renowned for its sporting success so it will be hard work, but equally rewarding.