International Women’s Day 2020: Abi Harrison.

What has been your journey into football? 

My big brother played football and he used to take me out into our street and put me in goal, luckily I wasn’t a goalkeeper, so playing with him and people in the street, then going my first girls’ team at Celtic when I was nine years old, then on to Hibs in Scotland until moving down to Bristol City last July. 

What has been the proudest moment in your career so far?

The proudest moment in my career so far is probably either signing my first professional contract here at Bristol City or making my debut for Celtic, because they were the team that I supported when I was growing up. Two proud moments and hopefully plenty more to come. 

What does being a role model means to you? 

It’s always funny to see yourself as a role model, but I think it’s really important because there wasn’t many female footballers when I was growing up to look up to.

I like the fact that I can be someone that people can look up to, but I’m always just myself as well, no matter who I’m around, appreciating life and enjoying is all you can do. 

What does International Women’s Day mean to you? 

To me, it means just celebrating powerful women no matter what sector you’re working in. Gender is not a thing in terms of why you should have a job or why you should do an activity or sport. I think we should just enjoy that we can do anything and skills come no matter if you're male or female.

Are there any women who have played a significant role in your life? 

I would probably say my Mum and my Gran. I’m very similar to them and they’re my biggest supporters, everything I do goes back to them. We enjoy the highs together and we take the lows together, they’re the motivation - family and friends. 

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

I would probably say just enjoy it. There are moments in life that you’re enjoying at the time, but they pass so quickly and it’s only really when you look back that you appreciate how good they were. On the other hand, when things aren’t going well with injuries and set backs, you know that it’s going to get better, so surround yourself with good people and stick in there.