U ps and downs – as well as sacrifices – are a big part of the lives of those who want to play football professionally. In the women’s game, prejudice and low pay are additional hurdles to overcome in order to fulfil that dream.
It is a lot of work – and for the players who are not quite good enough to play for their country it is even more difficult to stand out.
Ashley Riefner has taken the long – and rarely trodden – path from US university football to the professional game in Denmark, via Finland.
It has not been an easy journey with injuries, having to dip into her savings to pay rent and a long-distance relationship that was in danger of breaking down.
Related News