Female Football Focus: Mia Rawling (Penrhyn Bay)
Mia Rawling is a Wales Under-15 international who was part of the Penrhyn Bay Girls all-conquering team of last season which lifted four trophies – including the U-16 Welsh Cup.
Fresh from celebrating a bumper set of GCSE results, the 16-year-old tackled the Grassroots North Wales Female Focus feature
Full name
Mia Lee Rawling
Date of birth
April 19, 2003
First football memory
My first football memory was when I joined my first girls football team, Llandudno Junction. Our first match was against Llanrug and I scored my first hat-trick and got player of the match.
Football idol
My idol is Kevin De Bruyne as he plays centre-midfield like me.
Position
Centre midfield
Most memorable game
Playing in the Welsh Cup final against Villa Dino Christchurch in Aberystwyth in April 2019 because that day we were crowned champions of Wales.
Biggest highlight of football career
Representing my country in the Home Nations and then receiving my first Welsh cap.
Strengths to my game
I am able to read the game and I am very determined to do my best for the team on and off the pitch.
Biggest influence in football
My dad, Gareth Rawling is my biggest influence.
Favourite away ground
Aberystwyth because that is where we became champions of Wales.
Describe your experience of playing for Wales
Firstly, I attended an open trial in Dragon’s Park and there were a total of 60 girls there. I was one of the three to be selected for the national team. I was selected to play in the Home Nations Tournament in St George’s Park, where we played against England and Scotland. There is no better feeling than representing your country!
Hardest game of the 2018/19 Welsh Cup run
It has to be the semi final against Briton Ferry, as we were 2-0 down but came back to a 3-3 draw before full time. The game was decided on penalties and we won 5-4. It was a very challenging game and I’m so glad we managed to win.
Randoms
Favourite chocolate bar
Galaxy
Current favourite song
Higher Love by Kygo and Whitney Houston
Favourite TV show
Coronation Street
Worst fault
I get told very often that I am messy, and I have to admit that it’s true.
Best concert
Rita Ora
Favourite female footballer
Lucy Bronze