Bristol Academy WFC

11 October 2011

Player Diary 4: Grace McCatty P1

Our trip had come to an end. The journey to Russia, the misplaced staff, the stampede at the passport control, the chicken break and dominos, the ration packs, the lack of tea bags, the ‘last supper’ and the match itself.

It was all over and unfortunately it hadn’t ended as we would have liked or as we had intended...

The game itself was an experience to say the least. We sadly lost 4-2 on the night, meaning overall we had lost the tie 5-3, which if anything flatters Voronezh who truly didn’t deserve to progress and honestly shouldn’t have after their performance. In reflection of the game I sit frustrated at what could have been... But I am also filled with a sense of pride for 14 players and 4 staff who never gave up believing, who dug deep and worked hard and who with a fair sporting chance would have progressed based on the simple fact we deserved to. I am proud to play for a team where honesty shines through and where players play with their hearts of their sleeves. A team who defied all odds and criticism to achieve far more than anyone expected of us this season. A group of players and staff who can stand tall and be proud of what has been achieved.

I don’t want to reflect too much on what could have been but I want to look forward to what will be. After the match we spent the evening as a team having a delightful Russian meal of chicken and potato, followed by a social evening together. A chance to relax, enjoy and bond as a team. I think it truly shows the strength of a team when they can unite together through adversity and be grateful for what is rather than depressed about what could I have been. This is not to say that none of us weren’t disappointed but these feelings of frustration and sadness is what we will use to propel us forwards. A rather late night which soon blended into an early morning as the sun had sneaked over the horizon before I had even found my pillow. A good time enjoyed by all celebrating what had been the most successful year in the history of Bristol Academy WFC and the most enjoyable in my 5 seasons at the Club.

The joys of the trip had not yet ended as we had a day of travelling to look forward to. A room inspection was the final check before we departed the hotel and headed towards Voronezh airport. I think I could say I was thankful that the security processes at Voronezh were very limited and thus we glided through check-in. Although surely most other airports have an important reason for not allowing passengers to take their own water through to departures with them? Whatever that may be it didnt occur to us in Vornoezh and I was just grateful to have a drink with me as the facilities to purchase such things were non-existent. A hole in the floor for a toilet and a few chairs for a departure lounge. A rather classic moment, which I am hoping Annie captured on camera (her Russian documentary is out later this year... watch this space for more details!!) was the look of horror on Mark’s face as he seemed to have lost something from his bag. Due to us currently going through check-in at this time one can I only guess it was his passport?! It was a priceless moment... something not even Mastercard could buy!!

 

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