Female Football Focus 2022: Alicia Duke (CPD Y Rhyl 1879)

Full name

Alicia Lauren Duke

Place of birth

Bodelwyddan

Date of birth

14.09.03

Height

5’5

How did you become interested in football?

I grew up with plenty of siblings and naturally we would just play and watch football together.

How long have you been playing football?

I’ve been playing football for what feels like forever. I first joined a team when I was about 10 for Kinmel Bay then went on to join Rhyl Under-12’s.

Have you always played in the position you play now?

I’ve played in a few positions but have always held a good defensive position.

What is your training schedule like?

We train once a week although if we don’t have a Sunday game we get together for an extra training session.

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

I’ve just finished college which took up a lot of my free time, other than that I like to go to the gym as much as possible.

Do you like shopping? What are your favourite stores?

I love shopping, but I prefer doing it online with next day delivery.

Which female footballer do you admire most?

I like watching Lucy Bronze play. Great role model.

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

I’ve always admired Serena Williams. I think she’s done so well for herself both in and out of sport.

Which coach has influenced you the most?

Cassie Thomas and Joy Jamieson have definitely made me the player I am today. They’ve pushed me to be the best I can. I wouldn’t have made it as far though without the likes of Damian Hughes and Martin Jones coaching me in my youth years.

How do you feel the 2021-22 season went for CPD Y Rhyl 1879 Women?

Absolutely astonishing. To be finishing top of the league and to be moving up to tier 2, CPD Y Rhyl 1879 Women have had a fantastic and enjoyable season both on and off the pitch. The connections and friendships made this season between players have been lovely and I’m so grateful to be apart of this team.

Do you think the team can do well in the tier 2 Ardal North?

Yes. I think the team have a great chance of going into the next league and playing a strong game week in week out.

Tell us about the hardest game you’ve played in

The hardest game I’ve played in was a bit of a roller-coaster. It was against Bangor 1876 during the 2021-22 season. We got off to a bit of a rocky start which led to Bangor being ahead 3-2 by half time. However, in the second half, after a very prominent talk from Cassie and Joy, we got back into our playing game and pulled ahead 5-3 by the final whistle.

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

When I was 12 I had the opportunity to go down to Newport for trials for Wales. Nothing came of it at the time, but it was great to get a foot out there and see what was about.

Best team-mate played alongside

I’d easily say Rachael previously Nattrass, now Thomas and Becca Bannister. They’re both absolutely quality in the middle together, in every game. I’d also like to mention Rhyl’s 2021-22 season’s defence. Absolutely solid💪

What are your musical tastes?

I like a bit of everything

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

I don’t watch TV soaps, I’m more of a series person. My favourite’s Grey’s Anatomy.

Do you have any pets?

I have a cat called George and a Staffy, Zeus.

What is your dream job?

I’d love to do anything involving sport and travel.

What do you hope to achieve in future?

I hope to achieve a career in sport, and doing something where I can travel as much as possible. I’ve not decided yet a specific area, but I hope to have lots of options.