Feature Interviews, Features
The American Dream with Charlotte Thurston
Published by Gillingham Ladies Media on August 4, 2010
Today sees Charlotte Thurston leave for America to embark on her dream of playing football in the States.
The 21-year-old played an important role in her short spell at the Gills this season before leaving in November 2009, helping the Reserves to win the South East Counties Division One East title.
She had always harboured a desire to go to the States and play the game she loves, and when the chance came up earlier in the year she grabbed the opportunity with both hands.
Talking about her upcoming move to the states and just how big a step it is Charlotte, said: “It is a massive thing for me, and my family.
“It only really hit me the other day when I was walking to work that I’m actually doing it! So yeah, the nerves kicked in right then.”
It isn’t all going to be about playing football for Charlotte while she is out in the States though as she has to study whilst she is there.
Talking us through what she is going to be studying, she added: “First and foremost, I’m going out there to do a degree, probably in teaching, or maybe coaching.
“It will definitely have something to do with sports. Then the fun bit, training four to five times a week, and two matches. I had my match list come through the other day, it’s pretty intense.”
It was only by chance that Charlotte discovered that they were looking for players to play in the states. It was on a social networking site that it caught her eye.
She said: “I was on Facebook and a little advert on the side of the screen came up, I clicked on it and filled in a form just out of curiosity. They ask for your playing history, achievements etc, I was pretty shocked when they got back to me.”
You don’t just fill in a form and away you go to play football, there is a rigorous selection process that you have to go through as the midfielder explains.
“I went to a trial in Shrewsbury it was about two hours long. It just involved general ball skills, technique and the like, followed then by a game at the end.”
Charlotte is clearly looking forward to going to the States and enjoying her time playing football but she has some aims that she wants to achieve.
She added: “I just want to get the best out of this amazing opportunity. I want to play well, and hopefully make the state squad, and obviously come out with a degree.”
There is definitely no turning back for the 21-year-old now and it is something that hasn’t even crossed her mind this time.
Having had the opportunity to go and play in America when she was 17 Charlotte turned it down because she felt she wasn’t ready at the time but she is now.
She said: “This opportunity is life changing; nothing is going to stop me now. I would just like to say a massive thanks to the girls at Gills, and everyone who plays a part in behind the scenes.
“I wish them the best of luck for next season, I will definitely be keeping an eye on the website and the biggest thanks goes to my Dad, he’s the one that’s pushed me to do something that I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”
Everyone at Gillingham Ladies would like to wish Charlotte all the best in her football career and her studies in the United States.