Maya Le Tissier has shared stories of playing football on the beach, training with Saints, and encouraging other girls to take up the sport, in a video released by England Football and the Guernsey Football Association.
It was only published this morning, and had been viewed thousands of times on Facebook and hundreds of times on YouTube within just two hours.
The six minute video focuses entirely on Le Tissier’s ‘origin’ story in Guernsey – with her describing her family home in the Castel, and days spent at Vazon – with her admitting she isn’t very good at surfing.
Le Tissier’s football talent is undeniable though and in the video she recalls many sunny days playing football on the beach with a pitch lined out in the sand, and sore feet from kicking sandy balls.
Her dad is frequently referenced – including his own commitment to grassroots football as a coach at St Martin’s AC.
Ben Hunter from the club speaks in the video about his involvement with football, and Le Tissier’s ongoing connection with the team.
“I know we played the smallest part in her journey, but we gave her a platform, and she’s never forgotten that,” he said.
Le Tissier herself said “it was a great little life”, when reminiscing about her days playing at Blanche Pierre Lane.
Joelle Pengelley from the GFA describes Le Tissier as a “fantastic role model for so many players”.
She says the influence Le Tissier has had on female players is noticeable with many of them bearing the Manchester United and England player’s name on the back of their own shirts.
Pengelley also revealed that two other young female footballers from Guernsey have moved off island to continue their own playing careers.
“Even though we do live on a small rock, you can still make it over here if you really want,” said Le Tissier.
