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