Female Football Focus 2022 – Rachael Nattrass (CPD Y Rhyl 1879)

Rachael Nattrass is a classy and hard-working midfielder who currently captains CPD Y Rhyl 1879 in the North Wales Women’s League.

A former Liverpool Ladies and Wales international player, she was last interviewed by Grassroots North Wales six years ago, but a lot has happened since then.

It was lovely to have a catch-up with this popular player for our Female Focus feature.

Full name

Rachael Nattrass

Place of birth

Norwich

Date of birth

26/06/1995

Height

5ft 2 I think 🙈😂

Occupation

I work for the Police

Teams played for

Gosh there are a few – Prestatyn Pumas (boys), Prestatyn Athletic (boys), Prestatyn Girls, school football teams, Tranmere Rovers, Liverpool Ladies Centre of Excellence, Liverpool Ladies Reserves, Rhyl Ladies, a brief spell with Llandudno Ladies, Wales U16’s – U19’s, CPD Y Rhyl 1879

How did you become interested in football?

After watching my older brother play every weekend.

How long have you been playing football?

I started playing football at the age of 5, so 21 years now 🙈

Have you always played in the position you play now?

I am currently a central midfielder, however I have also played at left-back and at centre-back.

What is your training schedule like?

We train once a week with Rhyl Ladies. I go to the gym regularly during the week.

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

I like to spend time with family and friends and go to the gym.

Do you like shopping? What are your favourite stores?

I like shopping but I don’t really have a favourite store.

Which female footballer do you admire most?

I don’t admire any female footballer in particular. When I was at Liverpool I looked up to the senior team players. There are so many talented female players out there.

Which coach has influenced you the most?

If I am honest, I can’t pick one coach, I have had that many that have all played a massive part in my football achievements. Without a shadow of a doubt the coaching staff at Liverpool were fantastic. Tom Jamieson (Rhyl) has also played a huge part in helping me achieve my goals.

How do you feel CPD Y Rhyl 1879 Ladies are doing so far this season?

CPD Y Rhyl 1879 are having a very good season so far, we take one game at a time and just ask the girls to enjoy it. Their attitude is brilliant and they work hard for each other every single week. They are a great bunch of girls.

You’ve got quite a few new players and a new manager this season – how is everyone settling in?

We have had a lot of new players this season including myself returning to CPD Y Rhyl 1879 and a new manager but the way everyone has clicked is brilliant and this has shown throughout the season. They have a true team spirit.

What has been the team’s best performance this season so far in your opinion?

The team has worked really hard and have picked up some brilliant results. The standout game for me I think has to be Llangefni away. The football the girls played that day was a pleasure to be a part of and for the spectators to watch.

Who do you see as your main North Wales League title rivals?

The North Wales League is very competitive which is always great for women’s football. There are 3/4 teams who are all capable of winning the league, it is going to be extremely close.

How was the Connah’s Quay Nomads experience? You all had a great first season (2019-20)

I really enjoyed my time at Connah’s Quay. We had great coaches in Sara (Hilton) and Cassie (Thomas) and they played a huge part in our successes as a team including the result of the season beating Port Talbot in the FAW Women’s Welsh Cup.

Do you miss the Welsh Premier? You gathered a lot of experience playing at that level for Rhyl FC

I do miss the Welsh Premier in terms of the quality of football, however the commitment expected to travel and compete in that league I think is too much.

Tell us about the greatest game you’ve played in

With Rhyl in the Welsh Prem, it has to be when we played Cardiff Met at home and drew 2-2. Met scored a very late equaliser. We so nearly became the first North Wales side ever to beat them in the league.

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

Has to be playing for Liverpool and gaining international caps for Wales.

What are your musical tastes?

I like most music

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

I watch Coronation Street but don’t really have a favourite character

Do you have any pets?

Yes, two dogs and one cat

What is your dream job?

I don’t really have a dream job. I enjoy the job I do now.

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

With myself and Cassie having a little daughter last week I’m not sure what the future holds in terms of football at this moment in time.