Billericay Town’s French import, Francine Laisney, talks about her football journey that began with Paris Saint German and now sees her playing in the Eastern League.
What is your footballing history in France and what level did you play at?
My history is quite unusual because I grew up in Guadeloupe (French West Indies) where no structure for women’s football exists. So, I joined my first football club really late (I was 22) and It was Paris-Saint-Germain. I was playing with the regional level team (5th national level) but I found it difficult at this time to combine my job and football, so I stopped. In reality, I think I was not ready.
After an eight-year break, I joined FAS Herblay, another club in the Paris area, because I missed football too much. The first season we were playing in DH level (3rd national level in France). At the end of the season we were promoted to D2 (2nd national level). Being promoted and playing at the second national level was just an amazing experience, especially after this long period without playing football.
How come you ended up in Billericay?
At the end of the second season with Herblay, I was relocated to UK by my company. The first thing I did was to try to find a new football club. A french journalist put me in contact with West Ham and Charlton Athletic who were quite keen on getting me on board.
Before taking my decision, I also had a trial at Billericay Town Ladies (just because I was living in Billericay) but without any particular expectation. And I have been really surprised by what I have seen at this club. For sure, the level was lower but the spirit, the atmosphere at the club and the team reminded me what I had when I was playing at Herblay in France. In addition, they have a couple of players that you prefer having in your team rather than on the other side…
My experience in France told me that it’s really important to be in a club where you feel good and the results will come. A final discussion with manager Kim Coster about the club ambitions, and then my choice was made.
How does the standard compare with what you were used to in France?
The standard in UK is very good. The structure for women’s football is very developed compared to France. Girls can have access to a lot of clubs, good training and Centres of Excellence from a young age. As a consequence, the number of good players in the leagues is higher and the level between clubs is really close and good.
Because of the weather we have in England, the pitches are exposed to very bad conditions and this affects deeply some games. So more 3G pitches could be necessary for winter time. But having said that, It’s also huge investment that some clubs cannot afford. The French League is late compared to the English League in developing women’s football and is trying to recover from this delay over the last two years. The English system could be a good model for the French League.
Have you noticed any difference in the style of play and the social side?
The style of play is very different. In France, it’s more physical, there is more contact and players need to be very disciplined about their position on the field (if they don’t want the coach to get crazy!).
In the UK, focus is mainly on the offensive side of the game, the play is more direct and the focus is on the attack. Players have also more freedom about their position on the pitch. This was good for me because I have been able to explore new zones on the field and discover new things I could do that I was not suspecting before. On the other side, I can also bring stability to the team when necessary with the discipline I have in my position.
On the social side, what amazed me each time is the interest of people and supporters in the football game. No empty stadium for any women’s game in England. That’s great!
What do you think of life in England?
Life in England is very pleasant. Combining work and football is ideal for me. People always give you a warm welcome and this helps for a good integration
SHE KICKS – the online community for women’s football
