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A young Jersey footballer has had the chance to see how it’s done on the international stage and experience the "powerful excitement" on her trip to Australia for the Women’s World Cup – and now she's hoping "it's coming home" for the final.
15-year-old JCG student Auden Ruelle is a big fan of football, and a footballer herself, and this summer she’s had the chance to head down under for the biggest tournament of women's football.
She's seen four games, two of which the Lionesses played in, and even had a spot in the stadium for England's thrilling 3-1 victory over hosts Australia in the semi-final.
With her mum Helen, she's visited Adelaide, Cairns, Melbourne, and Sydney, where she's returning to for the England v Spain final on Sunday.
Over the weeks, Auden laughed, "we've found there's definitely less England fans than Australian fans here."
Pictured: Auden, kitted up, face painted, ready for the match.
"But there's definitely a buzz around, and it starts even when you get on the train. There's posters around, there's people in all their kit, and there's just a really powerful excitement," she told the Bailiwick Podcast this morning (and late in the evening for her).
"Everyone, both here and at home, is tuned in to support their team. Off the back of the Euros, people have realised that the women's games are really good, the quality of football is good, and the passion is there, and I think people have really started to realise just how good women's football is."
Auden spoke on the Bailiwick Podcast about the atmosphere, her favourite goals of the tournament so far and, of course, whether football is finally coming home... Listen below or by searching 'Bailiwick Podcasts' with your favourite pod provider...
Pictured top: Auden in Syndey, where the final will take place in Stadium Australia on Sunday.
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