New Series: Female Football Focus 2021-22 – Lauren Reese (Wrexham AFC Women)

Kicking off a new series of Female Football Focus features, Grassroots North Wales speaks to Wrexham AFC Women’s Lauren Reese.

Lauren, 24, is an awesome player who has been a regular goalscorer since Wrexham returned to the women’s football scene in 2018-19.

Full name

Lauren Reese

Place of birth

Wrexham

Date of birth

May 3, 1997

Height

5 9”

How did you become interested in football?

My dad got me into playing. I started playing at the age of 6 for Penycae Girls. My passion for football continued to grow. I missed a couple of years but I was so glad to get back into it.

Have you always played in the position you play now?

No I used to play on either wing or striker. Now I’m enjoying my new role as number 10.

What is your training schedule like? Do you practice every day?

At the moment, I train every Monday for Wrexham and play friendlies on Sundays. I also play 5 a side on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Soon we will be having an extra fitness session and an analysis session per week too.

If you are not playing football or not working, what do you do in your spare time?

I like going for walks especially in the Snowdonia area. I’m hoping to do the 3 Peaks this summer! I enjoy anything which is outdoors, I’m the adventurous type. I also love going out for meals with family and friends.

Which female footballer do you admire most?

Alex Scott. I’ve also recently read about Nadia Nadim’s inspirational story and her immense achievements.

Which coach has influenced you the most?

Ian Parry (Penycae Girls). I always remember absolutely loving mini football. My first manager, and without a doubt my best manager to date. He was always encouraging and supportive. An all round legend, massive respect for him.

Do you have a favourite professional football team?

Man United and Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Do you practice a certain diet while you are training or during the football season?

I try to eat a balanced diet. I do like to treat myself, perhaps too often.

What are your feelings on the women’s football pyramid changes in Wales? Are you in favour of an elite Tier 2 North?

I’m happy with the women’s football pyramid changes in Wales. I know there’s been some controversy over some decisions and I wish those clubs the best of luck. It’s still early days for Wrexham AFC Women, but I’m definitely in favour of an elite Tier 2 North.
Despite there only being 8 teams, it will be a challenge and hopefully we can rise to it. We have the vision to move forward and I’m looking forward to the future of women’s football and Wrexham AFC.

Tell us about the greatest game you’ve played in

My memory is dreadful, but I remember playing Northop Hall and winning 3-1 (scoring 2). One of my goals was one of the best goals I’ve ever scored from at least 40 yards out and it flew into the top corner. I love competitive, close and physical games. This was a prime example of one of them.

What’s your finest achievement to date as a footballer?

I haven’t got a stand out achievement to date as a footballer. My aim is to make sure I do have in the near future!

Tell us about your favourite all-time kit you have worn?

I’m not sure, but I like the look of the new Wrexham kit, I can’t wait to try it!

What are your musical tastes?

I like all sorts really.

Do you have any plans for a holiday once it’s totally safe to do so?

I haven’t booked anything as of yet, but yes! I certainly can’t wait to go on holiday once it’s deemed totally safe to go. There are so many places I want to travel, starting with Bali, Thailand and Vietnam.

What is your dream job?

I’m currently training to be a teacher. When I’m a bit older, I would love to work abroad and of course continue to play football.

What do you hope to achieve in future as a footballer?

I will see where the future takes me. I want to at least progress to the Welsh Premier League with Wrexham.