During the first County Cup final of the 2023/24 season, we caught up with Scotland International and Leicester City Women Defender Sophie Howard who attended and helped with the trophy presentation of the U13 Girls County Cup final between Rugby Borough and East Goscote United Vixens.

How did you get into football and what was it like for you growing up?

I started playing because my older brother played, and I idolised him. The biggest difference from when I was growing up was that there were only boys’ teams. So, I played in a full boys' team, even at the age of some of the girls that are competing at the County Cup finals.

What advice would you give to young girls looking to get into football?

Enjoy it, first and foremost. I don't think I would have progressed this far if I hadn't enjoyed every part of it. Of course, there are days where you probably enjoy it less and there will be challenges that you have to face, which is part of every career. The biggest thing for me is enjoying the journey as well, because I think that's something that I neglected along the way. I was always trying to achieve something but neglected to enjoy the ride.

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Sophie meeting the Girls U13 County Cup finalists. Credit - Alex Johnson

What life lessons have you gained from playing football?

I think the biggest lesson that I have learned is how much more can be achieved in a team compared to being an individual. We always say that ‘alone we can achieve so little and together we can achieve so much’ and I do believe that's one of the biggest lessons. I also think that playing football teaches you resilience in challenging situations.

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Sophie shaking hands with Manchester City defender Jill Roord. Credit - Getty Images

What has been your most memorable moment as a footballer so far?

Representing my country is my biggest honour, every time I put on the shirt. My biggest memory for Scotland was when I competed in the 2019 World Cup.

The outcome was not the one that we wished for, but just competing on the biggest stage in the world was a big highlight, especially in the opening game against England. My whole family was in the stand in France, so that made it even more memorable.

After a very challenging year for me, when I moved to Leicester, I had to fall back in love with the game again, and that's why I decided to move to Leicester. When we won the championship in my first year at the club, that was a big move in the right direction.

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Leicester City Women celebrating the 2021 Women's Championship. Credit - Getty Images

Recently, we made history when we qualified for the semi-finals of the FA Cup after beating Liverpool 2-0. That's probably one of my most memorable moments too.

In the semis, we face Tottenham and certainly believe that we can beat them. It'll be a tough, tough game, no question, but we've got the capability within the group to go all the way.

We have kicked off our County Cup finals campaign. What advice would you give to everyone taking part in the competitions?

The biggest advice for parents would be to let the kids fully enjoy their finals. We don't need 24 coaches on the sidelines.

For those that are competing in the finals, enjoy the occasion. You don't know when you'll get that chance again. The foundation is to give it your all and be the best version of yourself on the day, however, you won't remember those days if you don't enjoy them.

Purchase tickets for Leicester’s upcoming game against Brighton on the 24th March by clicking on the image below. Use code COUNTY for 50% off.

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