Female Football Focus 2022 – Charlie Bolland (Connah’s Quay Nomads)

Charlie Bolland makes a stunning save

All girls called Charlie or Charley are great – it’s a fact.

Meet another one – Charlie Bolland, goalkeeper supreme for Connah’s Quay Nomads in the Genero Adran North.

Charlie has been exceptional this season – six clean sheets in all competitions and some outstanding displays between the sticks.

Here’s a chat with a keeper who has a unique date of birth – 01/01/01

Full name: Charlotte Bolland
Place of birth: Aylesbury, Bucks
Date of birth: 01/01/01
Height: 5’7

How did you become interested in football?

My dad took me to my first Liverpool match when I was 13 and I’ve been hooked since then

How long have you been playing football?

10 years

Have you always played in the position you do now?

9 seasons

What is your training schedule like? If you are not playing football or not working, what do you do in your spare time?

I do some sort of training most days of the week whether that be football or in the gym. I’m at university studying Law as well so I don’t really have a lot of free time.

Do you like shopping? What are your favourite stores?

I like the idea of shopping but when I get there I honestly hate it.
I don’t really have a favourite shop.

Which female footballer do you admire most?

Ellen White because we are from the same town and we both started at Vale Reds. It’s great to see how someone from my area has worked their way to the top level in women’s football.

Away from football, what sportswomen do you admire?

Photo from 16 Jan 1998: Teenage tennis sisters from America, Venus (left) and Serena Williams take time off a practise session to pose together during the Adidas International event at White City in Sydney, Australia. Mandatory Credit: Clive Brunskill/Allsport

The Williams sisters.
They’re both have the mentality of a winner and have worked hard to achieve what they have.

Which coach has influenced you the most?

My coach from West Ham and AFC Basildon Jason Stephens has been the biggest influence and has helped me mature as a player. In terms of goalkeeping Ian Biggadike played a massive role in my development as a GK

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

I think the changes made are great. Making a move towards a system similar to that of the one in England will definitely help the game grow and become more popular.

Charlie in action against Denbigh Town. Picture: ROY GUNTHER/STEPHEN WHITFIELD

Tell us about the greatest game you’ve played in

When I was at Barking we played Tottenham in the cup semi-final. We won 2-0. It wasn’t easy but we all battled for the win and then went on to win the cup.

How do you feel the current season is going for Nomads?

We’ve been doing really well this season. We have only been together a short time and we are definitely seeing the rewards of the hard work we put in.

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

Getting the opportunity to play for Arsenal women U-21’s is definitely up there. I felt like it was a great reward of all the work I had put in over the years.

Connah’s Quay Ladies are top of tier 2 Genero Adran North. Picture: DAI SINCLAIR

Tell us about your favourite all-time kit

When I was at Watford the home kit was red and I loved it because as a GK I never got to have a red kit.

What are your musical tastes?

I like any type of music really.

Do you watch TV soaps? If so, who is your favourite character?

Honestly I haven’t watched any soaps in years

Do you have any pets?

Yes I have a cat and a dog

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

My goal is to play at the highest level possible. When I started playing my aim was to one day play for Liverpool and that is still what I work towards.

At the moment though all my focus is on getting promoted to tier 1 with the Nomads. It would be great to play in the Champions League with this team in the near future.