Karen Carney Interview

We were very pleased when Chicago Red Stars Player, and one of the youngest women ever to play for England, Karen Carney. Agreed to take time out of her busy schedule to take part in our interview.

LMS: How old were you when you first started playing soccer and who/what inspired you to play?
Karen Carney: "I think I started in school probably when I was about 8 just playing in the playground with the boys. But I probably really started when I joined my first team at 11 playing for Birmingham city. I think I started kicking things around the house with my elder sister who liked soccer and then my mum just sent me on summer camps to get me out the house because I too much energy to burn. I guess it went from there!"

LMS: What has been your career highlight to date?
KC: "There have been a few. I think playing for my country in the European Championships and the World Cup, being drafted for the WPS was amazing for me and probably all the trophies I won with Arsenal especially the UEFA Cup."

LMS: What is the best/worst game you have played in and why?
KC: "I guess it would be the home opener of the 2005 European Championships because I was young, I scored and we won the game. But I think there have been a few for different reasons, like playing in games that have given me the opportunity to do something else. Like when I played for England u19s against sweden I played well and it got me a shot at a senior camp. There are a few that I think are important and special to me. The worse game….umn I have been in a few where I hasn’t gone right for either me personally or the team. Getting knocked out championships and cups is aweful but what only doesn’t kill you makes you stronger!"

LMS: Do you have any superstitions or pre-match rituals before a soccer match?
KC: "I used to. If I played well I would usually stick to the same routine until something went wrong and I'd change. It could be as simple as what sneakers I wore to the game or what I ate etc. but I'm past that now as long as I have a good meal and I'm mentally prepared. However when I'm on the pitch I usually say a quick prayer but I wont say what I say within the prayer lol!!"

LMS: What advice would you give to someone thinking about getting involved in women and girls soccer?
KC: "It’s a great sport, you get to travel, meet lots of people, have a lot of fun, keep fit the list is endless of the all the benefits. But the main one is that it s a great sport so just enjoy it and make sure you enjoy every moment I wish I did when I was younger. Because you don’t know what you have til its gone and also you can never get them moments back so have fun!!"

LMS: What are your hobbies/interests when you are not playing soccer?
KC: "Sleep, haha!! I enjoy a good rest but who doesn’t. No hobbies would be just hanging out with friends, family. I love going to the cinema, dancing, shopping anything really. Just what anyone normal does lol!!"

LMS:In your opinion, how has women's soccer progressed since you first started playing and what would you like to see for the future of women's soccer?
KC: "The game has progressed immensely. The pace of the game has increased ten folds. When I first came in it was fast but now its been taken to a new level!! Its fast, physical and technical and I can only see it going forward! For the future I would like to see more recognition given to the girls, for there to be more professional teams around the world and more media coverage."

LMS:You are currently playing for the Chicago Red Stars in the recently launched US Womens Pro League, are you enjoying the season so far and how different is it compared to the English Women’s Premier League?
KC: " I am really enjoying playing in the wps and im extremely grateful for Chicago who gave me the opportunity to go to the league because I don’t think I would have been picked up by anyone else so I'm very grateful!! The season personally I feel has gone well its always hard the first year but I feel I'm learning all the time and have got stronger and sharper. For the team we have a fantastic team but have taken our time in gelling together there is no doubt that our team will be a great force. I'm very confident about that!! The league is very different when I played for Arsenal, the WPS is extremely quick and physical where as the English league is very technical. So they are both very different."

LMS Member Questions:

Agnes: What surprised you with the way of living in the United States?
Karen Carney: "The United States is so much more friendly and everyone is helpful. People do things to help each other out a lot more and I would say they would go out of there way for people. Back home people tend to go out there way for people but perhaps only to there family and close friends. That suprised me when I go here. When people were helping me I was thinking what do they want and what's their agenda haha!! Which wasn't the case!! Also people are alot more happy I guess that because back home it always rains and I think if the US had our weather they wouldnt be too happy either lol... but dont get me wrong I love home and wouldn't change it for the world!!"

Carmen Wales: As a Breakers and RedStars Fan :-) Ever thought about maybe changing the team to go to the Breakers and join the Two other Brits ;-)?
Karen Carney: "Haha thats a funny question!! For me I got drafted by the Red Stars when nobody knew who I was and they gave me the chance to come to the WPS so I will be forever grateful. Of course it would be nice to play with Kelly and Alex me old team mates because between the 3 of us we know each other games like the back of our hands and I consider them my friends. But I am happy to be a Red Star and love my team and my team mates!! But the main thing I love about the Red Stars is there behind the scene staff its hard to explain but we have good people there which I have alot of respect for!!"

LMS: Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. Good luck in the WPS and the Euros!
Visit Karen's Official Website: www.karen-carney.com