Our Year 13 football star, Maya Schofield started playing football when she was aged seven; 10 years on and she has been signed to play for Bradford City’s U23 Women’s team.
In an exclusive interview with Dallam School, we delved deeper to get to know Maya better.
My dad says that I could kick a football before I could even walk, so you could say that football has always been a passion of mine.
I started playing football with Milnthorpe Juniors FC. First, I could only play in boys’ teams, but thankfully interest in girls football began to grow so I moved into playing in all girls’ teams up to U16s. Since then, I’ve played for Preston North End, PNE Development Squad and Morecambe Ladies First Team. It was amazing to get signed for Bradford City, to be able to do something I love and play in the FA Women’s National League. I play as a winger and fullback for Bradford City but I also enjoy being a striker – anywhere on the pitch really, with a ball at my feet!
As well as playing football, I also really enjoy coaching younger players. At GT7 Football Academy I coach all ages, from 4-15.
At Dallam, I also have the chance to be involved in the netball, hockey, dance, gymnastics, rounders and athletics. I represented Cumbria in discus and South Lakes in discus and 100m sprint.
Maya seems to have a full schedule of sporting activities, but what about studying?
At Sixth Form, I’m taking PE – obviously – biology and geography. I want to go to university to study sport and exercise science, either at Loughborough or Leeds.
We can see that Maya has the drive and passion for sport to succeed whatever path she takes after Dallam Sixth Form. Given how well she’s done so far, we asked her for any words of advice for fellow Dallam students who share her passion for sport.
Always play with a smile on your face and enjoy the experience. And of course, practise makes permanent!
Thank you Maya and we wish the best for the season ahead at Bradford City and your future.