Today we have just received our 2nd female interview. The beautiful Sammy NutMegz, is fairly new to football, and she embodies the type of person we like to sign up at FC7. Fearless, enthusiastic and the type of role model we wanted to interview. We hope she inspires any of you who haven't quite made the jump yet!
Let's get stuck in!
Firstly, who do you support?
I am not a massive Football fan (I grew up in the Philippines for starters), but based on what I’ve seen, Manchester United seems good.
Also, Liverpool. Not sure I’m meant to like both at the same time (Editor: We like a controversial start, get in Sammy!). Some relatives support Crystal Palace too.
When did you first play footy or is this all new to you?
I can probably count with my fingers how many times I’ve played so far. It’s all new to me.
You were close to your Father, he’s done a good job judging by the way you turned out, how would he think of you now, if he saw you pulling on “The Black Shirt” of FC Se7en and being part of something special, promoting Women’s football, equality and the game in general?
This is a question I didn’t see coming! My dad was a strong human rights and civil rights activist. I studied International Relations and majored in Consular and Diplomatic Affairs because of how much he inspired me, so I am sure he would be very happy.
He was over the moon when I landed my first job working for the Office of the President of the Philippines. And yes, I was and still am a proud daddy’s girl!
What bit of advice would you give to someone just starting out footy, especially from a woman’s perspective?
I’m a person who believes that everything is possible (not to mention a feminist) so my advice would be:
...Whatever men can do, women can too...
Do you think women deserve equal pay in the football world?
Yes! Equal rights, equal pay – sports or profession, definitely.
Do you feel like you’re underestimated because you’re female in life and when it comes to a game of footy or sport?
I was a volleyball varsity player back in high school. Volleyball is played by women back in the Philippines so don’t think it’s that much of an issue, though I can’t speak for everyone. I know others have probably gone through worse, but so far, I’m thankful I haven’t experienced anything of some sort. In terms of everyday life, I think the biggest issue I have is equality between all genders (i.e. pay and rights).
Do you play for fun, fitness, competitiveness, or all 3?
All 3 – I think they all go hand in hand.
What would you say to a woman who was thinking of joining us at FC Se7en?
Girl, do it!
Racism has come to the fore globally with the tragic murder of George Floyd in the USA.
What can football do to make this world a better place for ALL of us to live in?
Football brings people together from all racial and cultural backgrounds – and that in my opinion is a start.
I believe you have a Filipino background and feel strongly about racism, have you been affected by it and how do you feel about it in terms of solutions?
Yes, my mum is Filipino, and I grew up in the Philippines. I am lucky I haven’t directly experienced this in a scale as big as how others have, and that’s the reason why I feel strongly about it. We shouldn’t wait to act until we’re personally affected and acknowledge that it is a problem that requires action now.
I have signed petitions, been active in all my social media platforms, had some discussions with friends and family, and have been educating myself along the way. I won’t stop until it’s gone either. The power needs to come back to the people – like how it should be in any democracy.
There’s already been way too many lives lost without justice.
Who is your favourite footballer and why?
Since I’m not a big footie fan, I would choose someone I know personally and it’s SUJAN! Not only is he a team player, he also makes an effort to bring people together by organizing things like this.
Dream 7-a side team? Name them?
I don’t know yet to be honest, probably need to see everyone play first!
Sammy NutMegz (2nd from right) took part in our first Festival of Footy......and she only went on to win it! Beginners luck? We hope not, now she's a fully fledged Se7ener! What better Ultimate 7 than the one below! (Editor: Just realised there is 8 people below, maths was never my strong point!)
Cheer up, lockdown will end soon and we will be back on the pitch in no time!
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