Carroll raring to go as WNL season nears

As the Women's National League is about to kick back into full swing, preparations are being finalised ahead of the big kick-off. This certainly applies on Leeside, and for young Megan Carroll, the excitement is building.

Despite being just sixteen years of age, Megan caught the attention of the Cork Women's scouts as she put in some top notch defensive displays for Listowel Celtic. For young Carroll, the countdown is almost over, and she's ready to go.

When asked what she's looking forward to most, Megan's reply was definitive. “I'm most looking forward to testing myself on this stage - a new challenge in my game. I'm looking forward to playing at a highest standard of women's football in Ireland and also testing myself both mentally and physically in the game.”

Sometimes in football, talent just cannot be ignored. Even at such a young age, the Leesiders felt confident enough to make Megan a permanent fixture. The gifted left-sided defender sees her inclusion as a big honour. “At sixteen, I feel very honoured to be recognised by a WNL club. I was asked to sign after a few training sessions and did so straight away - I wasn't expecting it at all. I know Cork have given plenty of young players a chance in the league over the past two seasons. I feel it's a great achievement for me.”

As an Athea native, Carroll also takes a huge interest in League of Ireland football and is an avid Limerick FC supporter. Despite her loyalties firmly lying with the royal blue of the Shannonsiders, she doesn't see a problem switching her alliegance to the “Rebel County”. “Cork are the only team in Munster and while there is a very strong Cork base to the team, in the two previous seasons they have always given girls from Munster an opportunity to play at highest level. In the last couple of years, they have had players from Cork, Clare, Limerick, Kerry and Waterford – so no, it doesn't bother me in the slightest!”

Megan is no stranger to the WNL – as an avid fan of the league, she spent much of her time travelling around the country to watch games. Little did she realise, she'd be lining out for the coming season. “I was a big fan of the league last season. I travelled to Morton Stadium and Turners Cross on a number of occasions to see Raheny United and Cork Women's FC in action. I was very impressed with the standard of the league. At that time I did not think that, today, I would be in preparations for the first game of the league myself.”

Ambition is never in short supply in Cork, and this season is no different for the Cork Women side. In an almost startling comparison to League of Ireland sides, Cork Women have a much changed squad compared the roster that finished last season, but that hasn't stopped them from highlighting the much-needed improvements. Cork conceded a total of fity-two goals last year and according to Carroll, that is right at the top of the list of  objectives; defensive solidarity. “This season we have a much changed squad so we need players to gel, but we want to finish higher than last season and definitely improve how many goals we concede - that is something we've worked on in training.”

CWFC open their WNL season away to Castlebar Celtic – a side who finished eight points ahead of Cork last season. Megan feels that preparations have gone well though, and suggested that the positive atmosphere in the camp is certainly helping things. “Preparations are coming along very well. The coaching is top class and there is also a very good atmosphere and relationship between the coaches and players at training which is great as it is such a new squad. We are all really looking forward to the challenge away to Castlebar this weekend.”

On a final note, Carroll spoke of targets; both short-term and long-term ahead of this weekend's opener. “My ambition for this season would be to get as much game time and gain as much experience as I possibly can at this level, while in the future, I would hope to use my experience of playing with Cork Women's FC in the WNL to proceed to playing a high level of college football. Of course achieving my biggest dream would mean representing my country some day.”

The club has announced Season Ticket details for the upcoming season, which are on sale through the club’s website and by contacting the club. The season ticket costs €40 euro but guarantees entry to ten home WNL games and at least one League Cup game. There is also a Family season ticket available which admits two adults and up to six under 16's, this is priced at €80.

Cork Women’s F.C. kick-off the 2013-2014 campaign against Castlebar Celtic on the 24^th August 2013 in Celtic Park, Castlebar. The first home game of the season will be played at Bishopstown Stadium in Curraheen against the reigning Bus ÉireannWomen’s National League champions Raheny United on September 1^st with a 2pm kick-off.

For further information on season tickets – contact info@corkwomensfc.com. Season tickets can be ordered online at www.corkwomensfc.com/season-ticket-application-form/