This week Shannon Lynn, a professional footballer who has played women’s football in five different countries and with five different teams, tells us a little bit about her career and what lies ahead for her in the next year.
Player Profile
Name: Shannon Lynn
Age: 28
Position: Goalkeeper
Current Team: Vittsjo GIK (Sweden)
Previous teams: Hibs, Chelsea, Kent State University and Indiana Pro-Soccer team.
International Experience: Player of Scotland’s National Women's Team since 2011.
What is the main differences between playing women's football in Scotland and Sweden?
I have enjoyed playing football in both Sweden and Scotland. The level in Scotland has continued to improve and that is down to the dedication and hard work that has been put in by Anna Signuel and her supporting staff, as well as the clubs. However, the level of football in Sweden has impressed me. There are players from all over playing in the league here, so the competition is very high in every game where the result is not guaranteed. Often in Scotland, the top teams in the league continually dominate. In addition, most of the games here in Sweden get over 300 spectators or more at them, which is a lot better than Scotland.
What is your career highlight?
The highlight of my career was beating England 2-0 in my first start for Scotland!
Where do you see women's football and what exposure do you think the game gets?
I think that the women's game has progressed a lot in its exposure; especially throughout the last few years. There is a lot of room for improvement though. I know in other countries there has been more emphasis in the media on women's football, whereas this is something that we could definitely get better at in Scotland. Especially with the success the women's team is having – the Scotland National team have been very successful thus far in their world cup qualifying campaign.
Why do you love football?
I love football because I just absolutely love to play the sport! I love being part of a team and working as hard as I can to reach the best of my abilities.
What is big for you in the next year?
The World Cup campaign experience is a main focus for me and the National set up in the upcoming year. The World Cup is being held in Canada in 2015, and Scotland has never qualified. So far the World Cup Campaign has been a really great ride. We have been working so hard to get as fit, as strong, and as focused as we possibly can to give ourselves the best chance possible to be at the World Cup in 2015.
I am so proud of where this team has come and it would be great if more people would come out and support us as I know they will not be disappointed!
If you want to find out more about women's football in Scotland you can follow updates on Twitter @ScottishFA or follow us on Facebook at Scotland National Team.
