From Psychology to the Canaries: UEA student on target for Norwich City Women’s Football Club
By: Communications
Rachel Lawrence, a final year Psychology student from the University of East Anglia (UEA) signed for Norwich City Women’s Football Club (NCWFC) ahead of the start of the 2023/24 season, scoring a hat-trick in one of her first games during a mesmerising second-half performance.
Rachel speaks about her time at UEA and how UEASport have aided in her football growth:
“I am currently going into my third year of studying Psychology at UEA and I have loved my course and am excited for my final year! UEA have really helped me with balancing football and my studies; there have been times I have requested to move my seminars, or with recording lectures if I need to catch up. The professors always reply quickly and show a genuine care in wanting the best out of their students.”
“UEASport have also been helpful with my growth in football. I have played for UEA Women’s Football Club for two years and myself and my teammates have been provided with scholarships each year, which allows me to put work into the gym, spend time with strength and conditioning coaches, and communicate with a physiotherapist, three aspects which are fundamental to improving myself for my sport.”
Statistics reported by the Football Association (FA) show that ‘only 63 per cent of schools currently offer girls’ football in PE lessons’, and a shocking drop-out rate that shows ’72 per cent of girls that play football in primary school drops to 44 per cent while in secondary school’. By getting signed by Norwich City Women’s Football Club, Rachel is providing inspiration to not only her teammates, but to many young women out there who aspire to a football career.
Speaking about her own football journey and the rise of women’s football worldwide, Rachel said:
"I first got into football at the age of eight and played for my local boys’ team until I was 11. Then I was scouted for Leicester City Women’s Academy and played there until I was 18. In my first two years at university, I have played for the University team, until recently signing for Norwich City Women’s. This has been a fun and exciting experience so far, as well as a way of pushing myself to see what I can achieve in football!
“Women’s football has undergone significant changes in recent years! When I think about it, the biggest difference is what the girls of my generation experienced compared to the future generations. I didn’t know another girl that played football until joining Leicester Women’s and the fact that women playing football is now openly encouraged is something that would seem so unrealistic back then! This growth is incredible for young girls growing up wanting to play and love the sport, and having role models in The Lionesses is amazing!"
Showcasing some of that Lioness spirit herself, Lawrence came in the second half of a NCWFC match against Haywards Heath on Sunday 17 September, scoring a hat-trick, and working with her team-mates to seal the victory with an impressive 6-1 win.
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