Womens Team - Player Profiles
Women's teams fielded by Beijing GAA have been spectacularly successful. In its 3rd year of existence the women’s team in 2007 emerged champions in both the All-China Cup and the Korean Cup. The team is easily the most multicultural women’s football side in China , featuring 15 nationalities. Silverware has come easy to the ladies: Beijing have twice been champions of Asia and All-China competitions.
Xanthe Visram
The idea for a ladies team first came about when Xanthe and the early core of the Beijing GAA took a breather on the benches during the 2004 Asia Gaelic Games in Hong Kong. This Suffolk, UK girl knows her stuff: she played rugby at university, and soccer since she was seven. “The boys’ team was valiant, if not very good at the time, and the game just looked so much fun. I was sitting on the stands with Tom Flanagan and asking him why we didn't have a girl’s team. He said ‘if you can find me the girls I can find you the coaches.’ So we did!”
“There was definitely a need for this type of team sport for women in Beijing so the initial reaction was great!” Many of the debutants were enthusiastic, but confused, recalls Xanthe. “‘How on earth do you play this game?’ Others asked ‘are you seriously telling me I have to kick the ball to myself at the same time as run up the pitch?’” So it was a slow start? “Not really..... we had a lot of people from the beginning.” Everyone was interested and excited.”
“I think the low point was really when I realised that I was not that fit and would never be in the phenomenal first girls team!” says Xanthe, 29, who ties the knot in April 2007 with fellow GAA man Michael Jennings. “But in contrast the high point was watching the girls win the Asian Gaelic Games in 2005. To see this team that I had helped bring to life take the competition and make it theirs - well all I can say is that it was amazing.”
Senior Associate in financial communications at multinational PR firm Ogilvy’s Beijing office, Xanthe reckons Beijing GAA has become a "solid part" of Beijing life. “More and more people are joining the club and it will continue to grow.”
And Xanthe will be back. “As for me playing again, well the team here is simply too good... they wouldn't want me back!” she says with a giggle. “But more seriously, I will probably join again in a little while.”
Michelle Ahoy
From Vancouver, Michelle came to Beijing in August 2006 on a teaching contract with the International School of Beijing. “I teach grade 6 Math and Science,” says the just-turned-29 Canadian.
Colleague and fellow footballer Raewyn Jack recruited her. “She told me about Gaelic so I came to a practice and kept coming. Football to Michelle was always soccer. She’s also played ultimate frisbee, a fast moving contact sport often compared to American football. “This is my first time playing Gaelic. It was "easy" to play the game. Lots of running…” Like many, she’s finding it harder to master the solo, the art of moving the ball from foot to hand while running which is one of Gaelic football’s key skills. “I still have trouble with my solos - practice makes perfect I guess...”
The highlight is meeting new people and playing the game. “I want an Irish passport!” she jokes. “Shanghai was a definite highlight - tons of fun!” She’s gearing up for a new season, and keen for more games. “It would be great if we had more ladies out to form more than two teams so that we get some more playing practice. Practice is great, but having a league would be phenomenal. It would also be great to play in more tournaments - traveling with a team is heaps of fun...”
Claire Nelson
From Denver, Claire Nelson only fell for the charms of Gaelic football though while training for a 24 hour adventure bike-run-orienteering race in southern China last year. Men’s team regular Tyson Meadors, a fellow American, enticed her along. “…He said I should come try it, at least it is a good work out. Turns out I liked the sport long enough to stick with it post- racing season.”
She hadn’t played Gaelic football before but Claire knew how to play hard in Beijing’s difficult air conditions. “I have a head start in training in this deliciously thick pollution.”
Was it easy to learn the game? “I've played most sports, and it was easier to learn than rugby. Mostly I mountain bike, so football is great cross training for that.” Gaelic football is more fun than mountain biking though, says the Coloradoan, 27.
“One of the high points was definitely beer on the pitch after playing in Shanghai. It really helps my sore muscles relax.”
Jennifer Pratt
Hometown: Kars, Ontario (near Ottawa) came to Beijing in August 2004 to teach at the International School. I started playing Gaelic Football right after the All China Games in 2005.
Before learning Gaelic, I played lots of soccer and also lacrosse and field hockey. Gaelic was pretty easy to learn (except for soloing!), mostly because of great coaching from my captain and trainers. The high point was definitely winning the Asian Games in 2005, but meeting Micheal O Muircheartaigh in Shanghai in 2006 was also pretty cool.
As for lows? Losing in overtime by a point to Japan last year was grim as was the 2006 end of season Beijing GAA AGM. The ladies' club in Beijing has really grown a lot since I joined and the more the merrier. I'd love to have more local Chinese girls on the team as well. 32