We caught up with Arsenal and Lionesses defender Leah Williamson down at Newport Pagnell FC to unveil the first pitch named after her (provided by grant as part of the Lionesses Futures Fund (‘LFF’)).

Williamson spoke to us about the upcoming season with Arsenal, playing at the Emirates and how incredible the summer break has been…

At the unveiling Williamson spoke to the girls teams at the club and was then kitted out in a hard hat and hi-vis jacket in order to lay the penalty spot and mark the official opening of the pitch.

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SAB: Being a childhood Arsenal fan, how excited are you to be playing 11 games at the Emirates this season?

Leah Williamson: I keep forgetting and the when I remember I think ‘this is unbelieveable’. It’s where I went to watch Arsenal growing up and now I’m on the pitch. I wish I could be on the pitch and in the stand at the same time.

SAB: What are your ambitions with Arsenal this season?

Williamson: We’ve gotta go for the league. I’m a big believer in taking every game as it comes but I think you’ve gotta know what you want and set out to get it.

SAB: No international football this summer – what’s been your highlight over the break?

Williamson: I’ve been able to go to a couple of things that would usually clash with the international calendar like Glastonbury – things I’ve never done in my life.

But I’ve been training the whole summer summer so I’m ready for the start of the season.

SAB: How exciting is it to be going up for the European title again this summer with the Lionesses?

I’ve never gone into an international tournament as the holders. I enjoy that pressure – the smile on my face says it all.

SAB: Congratulations on having a new legacy pitch named after you! What impact do you think the new pitch will have on the local community?

Williamson: It’s a space for girls. The interest is there from the girls. We know it is and then now they have a place to come and play.

Hopefully, one day, I hope there is as many girls’ teams as there is boys teams at this football club.

SAB: Talking of inspiring young girls, what are the best three tips you’d give to girls trying to come up through the game?

Williamson: If you wanna be a footballer, play as much as you can. I didn’t play as much as I could have when I was younger.

Also, listen to criticism before praise. Or maybe not before but don’t dismiss it – it’s the best thing. If someone is criticising you, they care about you.

Enjoy it. I still enjoy it now. That’s the only reason I play football. Not for any other reason. Always find the love in the game.

SAB: Now you’ve got your own pitch – if you could have a kick about with anyone in the world, who would you choose?

Williamson:  Anyone in the world? Former Arsenal forward Thierry Henry, I think. I’m not sure what I could contribute to that kick about but I’d probably just stand and watch.

Photo credit: The Football Foundation & Arsenal FC