Female Football Focus 2022: Steph Farley (CPD Y Rhyl 1879)

Steph Farley is a key figure in the tightest defence in North Wales senior women’s football.

The 27-year-old centre-back plays for a CPD Y Rhyl 1879 side which has conceded just nine goals in 12 league games and sits top of the North Wales Women’s League table.

A former boxer who spent a couple of years in the sport, Steph is now truly back in love with football.

Full name

Stephanie Farley

Place of birth

Wales

Date of birth

10/04/94

Height

5’7

How did you become interested in football?

My friends joined a football team in school so I thought I’d tag along

How long have you been playing football?

On & off really. I did boxing for a couple of years then decided to take up football again afterwards to keep fit and fell in love with it again.

Have you always played in the position you play now?

No, I was a goalkeeper when I was younger but hated it, so I played right back and now centre back.

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

I play seven-a-side twice a week, go to the gym, watch my fiancée play football on Saturdays for his team Caer Clwyd. I also enjoy taking my dog on days out, going to the pub with friends or going to the cinema.

Have you played any representative football (Wales, North Wales etc)?

No, still waiting for the phone call 😂

Strengths and weaknesses to your game?

My strength is probably tackling and my weakness is agility.

Which female footballer do you admire most?

Probably Ellen White for Manchester City

Away from football, what female sportswoman/women do you admire?

I think Emma Hayes (Chelsea women’s manager) is brilliant!

Which coach has influenced you the most?

They’ve all been great, Aled Davies was really good helping me grow confidence and Cassie (Thomas) with positioning, passing and John (my other half who happens to coach Caer Clwyd) with taking me to a football pitch in our spare time to help me improve on my all round game.

Tell us about the greatest game you’ve played in

I really enjoyed the Bangor 1876 game this season. Half time we were behind but we didn’t let it get us down, every single one of us on that pitch dug deep and got the 5-3 win, good bit of team spirit and determination.

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

My first season back for Denbigh Ladies. I got Players Player of the Season, I was absolutely chuffed.

How do you feel this season is going for CPD Y Rhyl 1879?

It’s brilliant, the girls are all really positive and get the best out of each other. We play some beautiful passing football at times, it would be great to win the league unbeaten and go up to tier 2.

What are your football ambitions for the future?

To win the league and progress to the next tier.

Tell us about your favourite all-time kit

Any Wales kit 😍

What are your musical tastes?

I listen to anything but I really like Fleetwood Mac & Imagine Dragons.

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

I don’t watch soaps, I enjoy programmes like Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad and Vikings.

Do you have any plans for a holiday?

I would love to go back to Prague in the near future, but we enjoy camping with friends so will be going on plenty of weekends away in the summer.

What is your dream job?

Owning a dog shelter if money was no object

Choose a chocolate – what is your favourite?

Toffee Crisp or Kinder Bueno