CPDM Bangor 1876 scoring sensation Stevie Donougher talks about her flying start in North Wales football

With six goals in her first two games for CPDM Bangor 1876 in the North Wales Women’s League, Stevie Donougher has certainly hit the ground running.

The Australian ace celebrated her 24th birthday yesterday (October 27) and to mark the occasion she did a quick interview for Grassroots North Wales.

1 How long have you been in North Wales and why are you here?

I’ve been in North Wales for just over a month as I took up a place at Bangor University to complete a Masters in Sport and Exercise Science.

2 How did you get to play for CPDM Bangor 1876?

Having played premier league football in Australia I knew I wanted to continue to play over here in North Wales.

After looking into the leagues and teams in the North Wales region, 1876 being the local side in Bangor, I reached out to manager Aron Griffith who was happy for me to come along to training. I registered with the club soon afterwards.

3 Six goals in 2 games is awesome! Are you a natural goalscorer? what’s your goals record been like in the past?

I do enjoy playing an attacking position. There’s no better feeling than putting the football in the back of the net.

Back in Australia, I’d have a fairly good goal record each season.

4 How have you settled into the Bangor 1876 side? Do you like their style of play and how have you found the standard of the North Wales League so far?

I’ve settled in quite well. The team and coaching staff have been extremely welcoming.

Our coach Lefty is instilling the style of play that I’m used to which has made the transition an easy one. The standard of the league is promising in the development of women’s football.

5 Tell us about some of your main football achievements of the past

I’ve played in the NSW Football Premier League for 10 years, competing against and playing alongside the highest quality players in Australian women’s football. I’ve been lucky enough to have reached four grand finals.

I’ve also played at both an Australian state and National level.

6 Have you picked up any of the Welsh language? Do you plan to learn some dialogue while you are here?

My Welsh speaking abilities are very minimal at the moment but I am definitely eager to learn the language.

7 You are involved in other sports….can you tell us which ones and what you may have achieved?

As well as football, I have competed at a high level in athletics. I’ve represented NSW as a finalist at the Australian Championships in the event triple jump. I’ve also achieved a few state titles in the event.

Whilst being at Bangor Uni I have taken the opportunity to undertake a new sport that is rugby union. I’m enjoying this learning experience and hope to go far with the team in the BUCS competition.

8 What do you think your Bangor 1876 team is capable of achieving this season?

I think we are capable of big things this season. We have started the season strongly and look to finish it how we’ve started.

9 How have you spent your birthday (Thursday, October 27)?

I was lucky enough to have spent it celebrating with uni friends at our weekly social night and with family.

It’s my first birthday that I can remember where I’ve been able to spend time with my UK family which has been great.

The day was also spent on phone calls to friends and family back in Australia.

10 What are your sporting ambitions, with football or other sports?

I’d like to maintain playing at a high sporting level for as long as possible and continue to grow and develop as a player/athlete.

This season at 1876 I want to contribute to the team’s success and achieve our full potential with a future prospect to enter a higher football league.

I have an ambition to seize any sporting opportunities that become available whilst continuing to enjoy the sporting journey.