Women’s World Football Show, Episode 159 features exclusive interviews with Sassuolo FC center-back Grace Cutler; Australia WNT defender Alanna Kennedy; Scotland WNT defender Rachel Corsie; Washington Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Bledsoe; and Nigeria U20 striker Charity Chetachukwu Reuben.
On this episode, we focus on the ‘other side’ of playing professional football – living and playing abroad.
Imagine having a job that requires you to pick up and relocate to another country at least twice a year… forcing you to live and work in a foreign country. Many times, it’s a country you’ve never been to before, far away from family and friends, and the comforts of home.
This has become very common in the women’s game and one we’ll explore in-depth with special guests American Grace Cutler who is currently playing in Italy; Nigerian Charity Rueben who just finished up playing club football in Katzakstan; and brief chats with American Aubrey Bledsoe who is playing in Australia; and Aussie Alanna Kennedy and Scotland’s Rachel Corsie, who just finished up their NWSL season in the USA.
Grace Cutler
After stellar careers in high school and college, Grace Cutler was drafted by the Houston Dash in the 2019 NWSL College Draft. From there, it’s been a rollercoaster ride of emotions and whirl wind of life lessons.
We chat with Grace about her past year and her current challenge of playing abroad in the Italy’s Serie A with Sassuolo FC. How is she adapting, what is she learning about the game and herself, and much more! (8’)
Follow Grace on Instagram at gracecutler
Follow Upper V Athlete Management on Twitter @uppervathletes
Alanna Kennedy & Rachel Corsie
Our friend and official ‘Post-Game Gator’ Alana “AJ” Johnson meets up with AUS/Orlando Pride defender Alanna Kennedy and SCO/Utah Royals FC defender Rachel Corsie in a post-game environment to talk about playing in the NWSL, some of their favorite places to visit, their off-the-pitch talents, and much more! (44’)
Follow Alanna Kennedy on Twitter @AlannaKennedy
Follow Rachel on Twitter @RachelCorsie14
Follow Alana “AJ” Johnson on Twitter @alanajohnson25
Aubrey Bledsoe
Washington Spirit goalkeeper and 2019 NWSL Goalkeeper of the Year Aubrey Bledsoe returns to the W-League this season with Sydney FC. In a recent Washington Spirit press conference we asked Aubrey about her experience in Australia, what she’s learned from playing abroad, some of the challenges being so far from home, and of course her recent call up to the USWNT. (54′)
Follow Aubrey on Twitter @AubreyBledsoe
Charity Chetachukwu Reuben
The 18-year old star of Nigeria’s U16 WNT and U20 WNT, Charity Chetachukwu Reuben shares her experience of playing for BIIK Kazygurt in Kazakhstan, making her debut Champions League appearance, the challenges of playing abroad, her future plans, and more! (01:02′)
Follow Charity on Twitter @charityReuben2
Episode Links:
Follow the latest news from Sassuolo Calcio Femminile
Kate Gill on Episodes 29 and 100
More WWFShow Links:
Follow Women’s World Football Show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and our blog at wwfshowblog.com.
Listen to Women’s World Football Show on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Spreaker, TuneIn Radio, Google Play, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and direct from our website at www.WWFShow.com.
Photo Courtesy of: Sassuolo FC
Original Broadcast Date: November 17, 2019
Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited & produced by Patty La Bella.
Additional assistance for this episode by Alana “AJ” Johnson, Upper V Athlete Management, Sassuolo Calcio Femminile, Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride, Utah Royals FC, NPR.org
Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella
Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark and it’s audio and logo cannot be used without expressed written authorization.
Women’s Premier League. Big victories including a Continental Cup win v Everton, a 0-0 draw away to Manchester United Women and a big 3-1 at home against the Lady Red Devils, is making the world sit up and take notice. And a big piece of the Wildcats’ success is due to a solid backline that includes central defender Becky Salicki.
Janine Anthony