Former Wales international Katie Sherwood will kick a ball for the last time this weekend after deciding to retire at the age of 28, writes Keiran Theivam.
Sherwood, currently playing in the FAWSL 2 for Yeovil Town Ladies, will make her final appearance for the Lady Glovers against league leaders Sunderland Ladies on Sunday, before unlacing her boots to focus on her career as a primary school teacher, and being a mum to her two young children – Alfie and Isabella.
The combative midfielder, whose career began at Cardiff City Ladies before a stint in America, also had spells with Bristol Academy and Chelsea Ladies that saw her reach two FA Cup finals. She moved to Yeovil before the start of the 2014 season, but stressed that life had just become too hectic to continue on with her playing career.
She told She Kicks: “Life is so busy at the moment, working full time and looking after two children, they are my biggest priority and I want to be at home with them.
“My job is very demanding with long hours, and to fit in training and travel to Yeovil, it was a lot to take on.”
While the 28-year-old admits there was a temptation to perhaps return to her hometown club, she confessed that the travel and commitments of playing on a Sunday would still present the same problems she is faced with now.
“I think taking the travelling out would be easier, but there are still away games to consider, and training still finishes late in the week, so I still wouldn’t be able to put the children to bed – that doesn’t sit right with me.”
Sherwood, who won 50 caps for her country between 2001 and 2012, was recently presented with a gold cap by the Football Association of Wales to recognise her achievement. She admitted pulling on the red shirt is the thing she’ll miss most.
“Playing for your country is the biggest accolade you can receive, and playing 50 times with not only team mates, but people you consider good friends, they were great times, and I have great memories of playing for Wales.”
Knowing “in her head” that the day was about to come, Sherwood says she probably won’t miss the game as much as people think, but she did reveal she could be tempted into coaching in the future.
“I’d love to be involved in coaching down the line because it’s something I have always wanted to do, but again it is time, and I don’t know if I have the time on top of what I am doing now.
“I wish I was a few years younger so I could be part of this exciting time for women’s football, but I’m not, I’ve had my time and I am now going to enjoy being a fan.”
If you want to see Katie’s last appearance for Yeovil Town Ladies, the club’s fixture with Sunderland Ladies kicks off at 12pm at Sherborne Football Club.
Pictured above – Katie Sherwood in action for Wales.
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