1 - Abbi Bond - GK
Sponsored by - Tim Badger Photos
Sponsored by - Tim Badger Photos
How did you first become interested in football and when did you start playing?
From a young age I had a love for football. My mum even took me to a ballet class only to return and find me outside playing football with the boys in my pink leotard haha! Let's just say I never went to ballet again!
I then started going to my brother's training sessions as my dad was the manager. I would be there watching them and sometimes even join in with them which only fuelled my passion for the game and it soon prompted me to join my own team.
I then started going to my brother's training sessions as my dad was the manager. I would be there watching them and sometimes even join in with them which only fuelled my passion for the game and it soon prompted me to join my own team.
What was your first team?
Ilminster Town Youth Football Club
Who was your sporting hero growing up?
I always loved Steven Gerrard and as I got older I loved Karen Carney.
Have you always played in goal?
No I haven't. Throughout the majority of my youth career with both my local team and County team, I always played a Midfield role - but was happy to cover any position on the pitch as required.
It was only when I was around 14 years old - playing for Bishops Lydeard girls, our goalkeeper dislocated her shoulder mid game so I stepped up and took over between the sticks and never looked back.
It was only when I was around 14 years old - playing for Bishops Lydeard girls, our goalkeeper dislocated her shoulder mid game so I stepped up and took over between the sticks and never looked back.
Which teams have you played for?
I've played for Ilminster Town Youth boys, Avishays Combe boys, Ilminster Town Girls until the team unfortunately disbanded, resulting in me going to Bishops Lydeard Girls!
As soon as I turned 16 and made the transition into Women's Senior football, it opened a door for me to go back to my home club Ilminster who are very close to my heart 💙
Alongside a few appearances for Dorset based team Parley Sports to who I was dual signed, I had an opportunity to play for Exeter City Women before making the move over to Buckland Athletic Women.
As soon as I turned 16 and made the transition into Women's Senior football, it opened a door for me to go back to my home club Ilminster who are very close to my heart 💙
Alongside a few appearances for Dorset based team Parley Sports to who I was dual signed, I had an opportunity to play for Exeter City Women before making the move over to Buckland Athletic Women.
What’s been your footballing highlight so far?
I'm lucky to have had multiple highlights throughout my career to date.
Ranging from playing at Exeter City's ground St James Park, to playing against Watford Women - a team containing experienced international players and which I was named man of the match.
However, my main highlights have to be twice winning the League & cup Treble with both Ilminster and Buckland Athletic Women!
Amazing memories with two amazing Clubs !
Ranging from playing at Exeter City's ground St James Park, to playing against Watford Women - a team containing experienced international players and which I was named man of the match.
However, my main highlights have to be twice winning the League & cup Treble with both Ilminster and Buckland Athletic Women!
Amazing memories with two amazing Clubs !
What are your hopes for the new season?
As a club, with the new management team and the current rebuilding process, I'd love for us to begin competing against the best within our League.
Alongside a good few cup runs it would be a massive boost for the current squad who have worked tirelessly within this pre-season, as well as putting
Buckland Athletic Women firmly on the map.
Alongside a good few cup runs it would be a massive boost for the current squad who have worked tirelessly within this pre-season, as well as putting
Buckland Athletic Women firmly on the map.
What are your long-term goals in football?
On a personal level at this moment in time, I'd love to continue improving my game and pushing myself to new levels with the help of my current Goalkeeper coach George.
I'd love to continue playing and eventually move into a coaching role or even management. Having already gained my Level 1 Coaching Certificate, I'd like to build on this with the inclusion of Goalkeeper Coaching Certificates aswell as the outfield.
I'd love to continue playing and eventually move into a coaching role or even management. Having already gained my Level 1 Coaching Certificate, I'd like to build on this with the inclusion of Goalkeeper Coaching Certificates aswell as the outfield.
What advice would you give to young girls who want to play football?
The best advice I could give would be to join a club, listen to your coaches, practice and work hard, stay focused, never be put off by negativity
but most of all ENJOY it!
It's a great way of meeting friends and being a part of something special.
but most of all ENJOY it!
It's a great way of meeting friends and being a part of something special.
From players you’ve played with or against - what’s your dream 5 aside team? (4 plus you)
Oooh this is a hard one! I've played with and against some amazing players, I'm going to go for a variety from a few clubs.
Alex Sheppard - played with and against. She's seriously quick, strong, absolute machine, one of my favourite defender's to have played with, loves a cheeky goal too.
Sarah Miller - Played with, legend at Ilminster, outstanding work rate, great team player.
Courtney Butt - Currently playing with, all round baller & showboater 😉, eye for a pass & a worldie always up her sleeve.
Lauren Hemp - I've been lucky enough to play against her and wow 🔥
GK - Abbi Bond
Def - Alex Sheppard
Mid - Sarah Miller
Mid - Courtney Butt
Att - Lauren Hemp
Alex Sheppard - played with and against. She's seriously quick, strong, absolute machine, one of my favourite defender's to have played with, loves a cheeky goal too.
Sarah Miller - Played with, legend at Ilminster, outstanding work rate, great team player.
Courtney Butt - Currently playing with, all round baller & showboater 😉, eye for a pass & a worldie always up her sleeve.
Lauren Hemp - I've been lucky enough to play against her and wow 🔥
GK - Abbi Bond
Def - Alex Sheppard
Mid - Sarah Miller
Mid - Courtney Butt
Att - Lauren Hemp
Tim Badger Photos with sponsored player Abbi Bond
Photo by Greg Mogford
Photo by Greg Mogford