Following our disappointing cup exist to Enfield Town I interviewed Hayley Peacock. Currently out injured the club legend will be spending some time in the stands, cheering the team on amongst supporters. Something R’s fans thoroughly enjoy. Personally, my favourite QPR Women’s player of all time. Perfect role model for younger girls getting into the sport!
Q) How did you get into football? And what was your first steps in the sport?
Like most young girls I started playing football at school with the boys, as there wasn’t a girls’ team or a girl youth teams in my area. I had to start out in goal and used to love coming out and sliding at attackers, which I’m pretty helped me develop one of my favourite defensive moves - the sliding tackle! I got into club football when I was about 12, joining Crystal Palace and working my way up the ranks. It was hard for me getting into football as there were limited opportunities for girls. It’s amazing to see how much has changed and improved for young people wanting to get into the sport, regardless of their gender or their background. But there is still more work to do for sure.
Q) Having played for QPR women for a while, what was your highlight so far?
Definitely winning the County Cup in the 2020/2021 season. I wasn’t even on the pitch, but I could feel the passion and the blood, sweat and tears those girls put into the game to win it on penalties. I was desperate to run on the pitch but had to slowly make my way over on my crutches and then just broke down crying. It was a great moment for the club and we are all really proud of the achievement. We were the first team from tier 5 to have won that cup, and beat opposition from the division above to get there. It’s no easy feat!
Q) Who would you say is one person that inspired you through your journey as a footballer?
I was totally mesmerised by Rachel Yankey when I was a kid. I watched her play for Arsenal and England and always admired the way she carried herself and kept so composed. She was also so dedicated and passionate about her club and I really loved that about her. She’s a role model to me and I got to meet her a few years ago. She sat behind me during a football game. I’ve never been so shy in my life!
Q) QPR Women have just been promoted after winning the cup. What are your thoughts on how we will do this season?
We’ve made some amazing signings this year and retained a substantial number of players from last year. I’ve got a good feeling about this season, and over the last two seasons we’ve consistently shown that we deserve to play in tier 4 by beating teams in that league. We’ve established a really supportive, competitive environment within the club to ensure we are always developing ourselves and each other and pushing one another on. I always try to focus on one game at a time rather than think about the season as a whole. So far, we’ve proven that we deserve to be where we are, and with each upcoming game, we know that we have the chance to keep proving it.
Q) You are currently recovering from a long-term injury. How does it feel supporting the team from the side-lines? And how important are the fans for you in this situation?
I injured my ACL and meniscus at the end of last season which is putting me out of action for the current season. Watching the girls play gives me a lot of pride but I would be lying if I told you, it wasn’t difficult. I catch myself looking at our pitch at Hanwell just daydreaming about being in the game. It’s not the most forgiving injury, and takes a huge amount of work and tears behind the scenes to push through, but I’ve been fortunate to have had so much support from the club and especially my teammates and the fans in my rehabilitation. Being on the side-lines has allowed me to spend more time the fans and I’ve gotten to know them all since being injured. I can see what a difference it makes to the girls to have the supporters there cheering them on every game. There is no better feeling than the crowd roaring when we score!
Thank you to Hayley Peacock for this amazing interview. Would like to take this chance to wish her all the best with her recovery, and I’m sure she will come back stronger than ever. Credit to the club on and off the pitch.
Comments