In this, the first instalment of our “A Day in the Life” series, we bring you an effortless chat with 1st Team captain Vanessa Gifford ahead of this Sunday’s big game.
JD: How did you feel when you were asked to be captain?
VG: I was genuinely shocked and absolutely honoured when Andy [Davies] asked me to be First Team captain for this season. It is a pleasure to play with such a talented squad and I am thoroughly enjoying leading them on the pitch. We have started the season really strongly and I am excited to see what we can achieve.
JD: What qualities do you think you bring as captain?
VG: I hope that I bring passion, determination, but also realism to the role. In the National League we aren’t going to win every game, so I feel I have an important part to play in helping remind the squad of our long-term goals and vision. Admittedly, this can sometimes be difficult with our squad of highly competitive winners!
JD: What makes a good pre-match speech?
VG: For me, a good pre-match speech helps to solidify Andy’s instructions into a clear, unified message for the team to take onto the pitch. I try to keep it short and to the point, leaving the team feeling absolutely pumped and ready to start our warm-up.
JD: What are your team’s aspirations for the season?
VG: I think that our main aspiration for our first season back in the National League is simply survival. However, we want to make sure we do this with a style of korfball that is sustainable and that we can build on. We are all working to make sure that BCKC becomes a permanent fixture in England’s top league for many years to come.
JD: Do you have any female role models within korfball that you take inspiration from?
VG: I think I naturally look to those who I have played with. Historically, Birmingham City has had some amazing female First Team captains – Sara Roberts and Jess Davies to name two! They are both fiercely competitive, passionate role models who I have certainly taken inspiration from. I will also be trying to replicate being a constant source of sugary sweets as Sara was, whilst making sure that the squad’s sock game is strong, like Jess did!
JD: Any final words?
VG: Overall, I am thrilled to be a part of such a fantastic squad and club. The First Team have had a great start to the season and we are getting stronger with every match. Birmingham City KC is a club going places so my captain’s message for today is #FearTheBull!
