South Shields Women’s Becca Emery reflects on the season so far

With studying to become a physiotherapist while playing for both South Shields FC and as part of Team Sunderland, midfielder Becca Emery has it all on her plate.

Despite feeling “reluctant” to join the university football team, Emery said: “I have really enjoyed playing for Team Sunderland.

“The girls are amazing and are really nice, so despite the recent results, I’m really enjoying it.”

Sunderland Women have struggled as of recent, suffering heavy defeats to Northumbria and York in the last few weeks. However, they have still given flying performances throughout the season, beating Northumbria and Durham away from home.

Emery believes: “This season for Sunderland has been good despite some of the results. It’s hard to get the numbers for a squad [for away games] when people have lectures and other commitments.

“But the games we have had closer to home we have won. The team is getting used to playing with each other through training and the games we have played this season.”

With five games left of the season, Sunderland has a real opportunity to move up in the BUCS table and finish in a promising position after winning the league last season.

Emery said: “I’m excited for it. Hopefully we can build some momentum and climb the table – finishing mid to top of the table would be a successful season for us.”

Emery also plays for South Shields, who are currently sitting second in the North East Regional Women’s Football League, just four points behind leaders Sunderland West End Ladies – who’s manager Gary Bennett is also the university teams’ manager.

“It’s nice to have a manager that has experienced being a pro footballer and knows how to get the best out of players.” Emery said, adding: “Even though the results haven’t been going our way, the systems have been working.”