Straight after graduating from the BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism programme, Georgia Stevens has signed for Vilaverdense FC, a club who compete in Portugal’s top division. Hoping to drive forward her career by playing against the likes of Benfica, Georgia shares what the signing means to her and reflects on her time at UCFB…

Congratulations on signing for Vilaverdense FC! How does it feel?
 
It feels great! I’m so excited to be playing abroad again and to be playing in such a beautiful country is a dream come true. To be a professional in the top league is something I’m able to cross off my list and to be involved with this club, in particular, is really exciting. The training here has been spot on so I can’t wait to get the season started.

What are you most looking forward to about playing for the club?
 
For me, it’s playing in front of fans again. I got a brief experience of it over in Iceland and it was amazing to have fans chanting and singing. Obviously due to COVID-19, every game I played for Coventry FC was essentially behind closed doors, so I can’t wait to experience an atmosphere again whilst on the pitch.

You previously played for Coventry FC in the FA Women’s Championship. In what ways do you think women’s football in Portugal is different to that in England?

It’s a lot more technical here, which I kind of expected. Iceland was certainly more physical than back home and here it is more technical so it’s a nice balance. The game is also growing rapidly here and it’s great to be a part of that.
 
How important do you think it is to gain an education while pursuing a career in professional football?

When I started playing, there was no other option than to also have another income alongside the game. Obviously as the game has progressed as I’ve grown older, there’s no longer a need to have that second job. For me though, I think it’s still so important to have that education. Football isn’t a forever sport, but having an education allows you to gain access to pathways after football. It also helps you become a more well-rounded person in my opinion; it’s important to remember you’re more than just an athlete.

Why did you choose to study BA (Hons) Multimedia Sports Journalism rather than perhaps a course more directly related to football?

I’ve always had an interest in journalism and the fact this course was multimedia rather than traditional journalism really excited me. I wanted to do something that would allow me to work alongside playing and for it to be something I’d enjoy - coaching doesn’t tick all those boxes for me. I ended up really enjoying the TV production side of things and that’s the pathway I’ve gone down, already working on one TV show as well as working for a creative agency to create pitches for new ideas. To have that creative outlet whilst playing has been a blessing, it gives me something to enjoy and focus on off the pitch.

How did you find your time at UCFB? What were some of the highlights?
 
I really enjoyed my time at UCFB, and I personally cannot thank the lecturers and staff enough for being so accommodating to me as I was studying whilst playing. I think listening to Guillem Balagué talk about the work he does and his stories during a workshop definitely ranks up there, as does listening to David Moyes’ talk. For me though, studying whilst in Iceland was my highlight. Writing essays and seeing the northern lights was something I’ll never experience again and it was something I’ll always remember.

What advice would you give to any aspiring footballers looking to study at UCFB?
 
Do it! In all seriousness, I think if there’s anywhere that has a course and also understands the commitments you have, it’s UCFB. I don’t believe education is a ‘plan B’ for football, it’s still part of ‘plan A’. The skills you use as an athlete are the same as a student, so continue to develop them alongside each other and you’ll come out stronger in both fields.