Meabh De Burca - from Galway to New Haven to Grimstad and a whole load of other cities in between. In Part II of “Women in Soccer” we spoke with the Ireland international De Burca, who is currently roaming the field for Amazon Grimstad in Norwegian Toppserien. Though only twenty-three she has plenty of experience: been capped 20 times by Ireland, played in the Champions League with Galway Ladies, played in a WPSL National Semifinal with Boston Aztec, and completed her college eligibility while earning her Masters degree at the University of New Haven. Follow De Burca on Twitter @MeabhDeBurca
Soccer Banter: You're currently playing in Norway for Amazon Grimstad, for those not familiar with the club or the league, what are your thoughts so far?
Meabh De Burca: I'm loving the experience in Norway so far. It has been great to be able to focus just on playing football. The professional approach to everything both on and off the field here immediately impressed me when I moved to Grimstad. The standard of competition within the Toppserien is very high and it is definitely the highest domestic level I have played at. The length of the season (April-Nov) is much longer than I had experienced previously. Preseason alone here is longer than the entire club or college season stateside. Being able to play year-round was an important factor when I was deciding where to play.
SB:. Best memory playing for Ireland? Toughest player to play against? What needs to happen in order for Ireland to make the breakthrough and play at a major tournament?
Soccer Banter: You're currently playing in Norway for Amazon Grimstad, for those not familiar with the club or the league, what are your thoughts so far?
Meabh De Burca: I'm loving the experience in Norway so far. It has been great to be able to focus just on playing football. The professional approach to everything both on and off the field here immediately impressed me when I moved to Grimstad. The standard of competition within the Toppserien is very high and it is definitely the highest domestic level I have played at. The length of the season (April-Nov) is much longer than I had experienced previously. Preseason alone here is longer than the entire club or college season stateside. Being able to play year-round was an important factor when I was deciding where to play.
SB:. Best memory playing for Ireland? Toughest player to play against? What needs to happen in order for Ireland to make the breakthrough and play at a major tournament?
MD: I have been very lucky to have made some fantastic memories while playing for Ireland and to choose only one is hard. Top of the list though would have to be my international debut - against Holland in Amsterdam. Scoring after five minutes and having my parents there to see the match made it even more memorable. Domestically, winning the Senior Irish Cup with Galway in 2007 was a great experience. I have played against many difficult opponents, but the toughest player I have faced is French attacking midfielder Gaëtane Thiney. She is quality and is surrounded by many world-class players on the French national team.
I think the progress needed for Ireland to make the breakthrough and play at a major tournament will not happen overnight. France can again be used as an example where the FFF's investment in their training and education center at Clairefontaine is now coming to fruition. The development at grassroots level is ongoing in Ireland and within the FAI the implementation of various programs and structures are greatly helping the development of the women's game. The introduction of the national league last year was also a very important step as it gives home based players the opportunity to play at a high level week in and week out, which wasn't available in the past. Unfortunately one of the biggest challenges to Ireland consistently competing with the bigger nations is a lack of funding.
SB: For an international player, what were your thoughts on the college soccer experience? How does it compare to your previous experience in Ireland and now playing in Norway?
MD: I absolutely loved my time in America and at UNH in particular. Once I adjusted (to running fitness tests in heat waves and calling boots "cleats"), the college soccer experience on the whole was fantastic. I met some amazing people and learned a lot during my time in the US. It was unique and unlike the other environments I have played in. The season itself is very short and intense and having three matches a week wasn't uncommon. Having team training six days a week (and twice or three times a day during preseason) was something I hadn't experienced in Ireland, and it definitely helped me adjust to the training commitments when I moved to Norway. In America there was a lot more emphasis on the physical side of the game. There was a big focus on strength and fitness as opposed to Europe where the technical side of the game plays a bigger role.
I think the progress needed for Ireland to make the breakthrough and play at a major tournament will not happen overnight. France can again be used as an example where the FFF's investment in their training and education center at Clairefontaine is now coming to fruition. The development at grassroots level is ongoing in Ireland and within the FAI the implementation of various programs and structures are greatly helping the development of the women's game. The introduction of the national league last year was also a very important step as it gives home based players the opportunity to play at a high level week in and week out, which wasn't available in the past. Unfortunately one of the biggest challenges to Ireland consistently competing with the bigger nations is a lack of funding.
SB: For an international player, what were your thoughts on the college soccer experience? How does it compare to your previous experience in Ireland and now playing in Norway?
MD: I absolutely loved my time in America and at UNH in particular. Once I adjusted (to running fitness tests in heat waves and calling boots "cleats"), the college soccer experience on the whole was fantastic. I met some amazing people and learned a lot during my time in the US. It was unique and unlike the other environments I have played in. The season itself is very short and intense and having three matches a week wasn't uncommon. Having team training six days a week (and twice or three times a day during preseason) was something I hadn't experienced in Ireland, and it definitely helped me adjust to the training commitments when I moved to Norway. In America there was a lot more emphasis on the physical side of the game. There was a big focus on strength and fitness as opposed to Europe where the technical side of the game plays a bigger role.
SB: While in America, you also competed for the Boston Aztecs and CFC Passion of WPSL...from your time in America and abroad, why do you believe that women's professional soccer hasn't been able to last in America, but is able to in other countries? Do you think it's possible for a women's professional league to make it in America, and if so, how (using that Sports Management degree of yours)?
MD: The league needs to start from the bottom up and set realistic, achievable goals rather than trying to be big time and failing. In the early years of a pro league in any sport, the aims need to be based on sustainability and survival. The English league (FAWSL) is now thriving and is run very successfully on a semi-pro basis. Other full-time leagues across Europe are run mostly on small budgets with costs kept to a minimum with players, in general, receiving modest salaries. There is no doubt that the on the field product was there in America (in both the WUSA and WPS) and the ability of the US to attract the worlds best players will continue. Soccer participation levels amongst girls stateside are very high, but a strong participant market does not guarantee the success of a professional league. Going forward, off the field is the area that the focus needs to be on. More emphasis needs to be put on increasing the fan base and making the fans more engaged so that they will return to watch multiple matches each season rather than going to just one game a year.
SB: As a Manchester United fan, what were your thoughts on the final day of the season as Aguero scored the goal for Man City to bring the Barclays Trophy to the blue side of Manchester? Can United win back the title this year or has the power truly shifted in Manchester?
MD: I can safely say that City fans and neutrals will have enjoyed the drama of Arguero's last minute winner that day a lot more than I did. When the current United squad is compared to previous ones, particularly the Treble-winning '99 squad, I think the same depth in quality is lacking in each position on the pitch. I still think United will be right up there challenging for the title in 2013 but I would, like most United fans, like to see Fergie make another couple of signings before the season begins.
SB: What were your thoughts on Ireland at the European Championships and looking ahead to qualifying do they have the players/manager to make it Brazil in 2014?
MD: The league needs to start from the bottom up and set realistic, achievable goals rather than trying to be big time and failing. In the early years of a pro league in any sport, the aims need to be based on sustainability and survival. The English league (FAWSL) is now thriving and is run very successfully on a semi-pro basis. Other full-time leagues across Europe are run mostly on small budgets with costs kept to a minimum with players, in general, receiving modest salaries. There is no doubt that the on the field product was there in America (in both the WUSA and WPS) and the ability of the US to attract the worlds best players will continue. Soccer participation levels amongst girls stateside are very high, but a strong participant market does not guarantee the success of a professional league. Going forward, off the field is the area that the focus needs to be on. More emphasis needs to be put on increasing the fan base and making the fans more engaged so that they will return to watch multiple matches each season rather than going to just one game a year.
SB: As a Manchester United fan, what were your thoughts on the final day of the season as Aguero scored the goal for Man City to bring the Barclays Trophy to the blue side of Manchester? Can United win back the title this year or has the power truly shifted in Manchester?
MD: I can safely say that City fans and neutrals will have enjoyed the drama of Arguero's last minute winner that day a lot more than I did. When the current United squad is compared to previous ones, particularly the Treble-winning '99 squad, I think the same depth in quality is lacking in each position on the pitch. I still think United will be right up there challenging for the title in 2013 but I would, like most United fans, like to see Fergie make another couple of signings before the season begins.
SB: What were your thoughts on Ireland at the European Championships and looking ahead to qualifying do they have the players/manager to make it Brazil in 2014?
MD: Qualifying for the Euros after 24 years of failing to do so was an achievement in itself for Ireland. The country had high expectations of the team prior to the tournament and it was disappointing not to come away with something from the group. As a small nation where football isn't our number one sport, it is always going to be difficult to be competitive at the highest level. With only a few of our players currently playing at top clubs, we are going to have to continue to punch above our weight. I think qualification for 2014 is going to be challenging, particularly with Sweden and Germany in our group, but I am confident that Trapattoni can lead the team to Brazil.
SB: Pick your all-time 11 of players you played with, set them up in any formation you want...hopefully you make the squad!
MD: Here are ten of the players I've most enjoyed sharing the pitch with in a 3-5-2 formation.
F: Trine Lise Åvik - Olivia O'Toole (Capt).
M: Me - Ruth Fahy - Claire Scanlan - Niamh Fahey - Aoife Herbert.
D:Aya Sameshima - Marit Fiane Christensen - Claire Siekaniec.
Keeper: Emma Byrne.
More "Women in Soccer" Interviews
Lesle Gallimore - University of Washington Head Women's Soccer Coach
Kim Tate - Owner of Kim Tate Sports
Kristi Colvin - Cofounder of Women United FC
SB: Pick your all-time 11 of players you played with, set them up in any formation you want...hopefully you make the squad!
MD: Here are ten of the players I've most enjoyed sharing the pitch with in a 3-5-2 formation.
F: Trine Lise Åvik - Olivia O'Toole (Capt).
M: Me - Ruth Fahy - Claire Scanlan - Niamh Fahey - Aoife Herbert.
D:Aya Sameshima - Marit Fiane Christensen - Claire Siekaniec.
Keeper: Emma Byrne.
More "Women in Soccer" Interviews
Lesle Gallimore - University of Washington Head Women's Soccer Coach
Kim Tate - Owner of Kim Tate Sports
Kristi Colvin - Cofounder of Women United FC
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