2022/23 CUAFC Women’s Captains
In addition to two new presidents, we are very excited to introduce our captains for the 2022/23 season! In the following article, the women’s captains explain their connection to football as well as their aims and expectations for the coming year.
Kate: Thanks so much you for taking the time to answer our questions! It is a great pleasure seeing your enthusiasm for football and the new season. Would you mind telling me a little bit about yourselves and what role football has in your lives?
Fran Steele (Women’s Blues Captain): Football means an awful lot to me. I’ve learned a lot of life lessons through football - notably how to balance studies with sport and the dedication that comes with it. I have also met my closest friends through football, so I am incredibly grateful for that.
Holly Barber (Eagles Captain): Yes, I very much agree with this. Football is a way to escape from the studies at Cambridge and get a break. It’s a great way to make friends and I love spending time with all the Eagles every week!
Kate: Great to hear that football plays such a big role in your lives! How long have you two actually been playing?
Fran: I have been playing since the age of 6 - so almost 20 years now.
Holly: I have been playing since I was 9, starting out with a boys team and then moving over to play with a girls team at 15.
Kate: This year you are both captains for Blues and Eagles - in your case Fran for the second time. What motivated you to take up these roles?
Fran: Yes, I was fortunate enough to be Blues captain last year. I was a part of such a tight knit team on and off the pitch and had the opportunity to reapply for the role this year. The team makes my role as easy as it can be, and we have an awful lot of potential and talent, so it was a no-brainer to reapply.
Holly: After being Eagles vice captain last year, I saw how important it is to have a captain to run the team smoothly. I cannot wait to start the season with the team and continue the success of last year.
Kate: Speaking of success - what are your goals for the coming year then?
Fran: To lead the team in establishing ourselves in our league (recently promoted 2 years ago). Last year, we avoided relegation and finished 4th which was great but I am looking forward to getting solid results against some very strong teams (the likes of Nottingham, Nottingham Trent, Birmingham etc). With the talented squad we have this year, this shouldn’t be much of a challenge. And of course, getting revenge against Oxford is a huge goal for us all.
Kate: In terms of your role as a captain, what are you two most looking forward to?
Fran: Honestly, just to be a part of such a great group of people. Whether this is on the pitch, in the gym at 7.30am, at committee meetings in person or on zoom or at socials.
Holly: I am most looking forward to meeting the new incoming players from across the university, as well as welcoming back some familiar faces. Obviously, I’m most excited for our Varsity match against Oxford in Lent term.
Kate: Every year comes with challenges, what do you think are going to be the biggest ones in the 2022/23 season?
Fran: We have some very strong teams in our league - a challenge will be putting in solid performances week in and week out with consistency across the entire season, especially when it comes to the end of term and work load is high. I know we are capable of it and I am excited for the season and what’s to come!
Holly: I think our biggest challenges will be matching the success of last year. Hopefully we will be able to be victorious at Varsity again and can work to build on a better position in the league!
Kate: Thank you so much both for this. All the best for the season.
