Tottenham Women’s Football Team Aims for FA Cup Final
Jenna Schillaci, a retired former defender for Tottenham Women’s Football Team, is hoping that her former team can fulfill their dream of reaching the Women’s FA Cup final by defeating Leicester City. This would be a significant milestone for Tottenham, who have come a long way from their humble beginnings as a part-time club. Schillaci joined the team 24 years ago when they were an amateur-level club, training on a council estate in North London. Reflecting on those days, she recalls how women’s football was not visible to her and seemed like an impossible dream. However, she was determined to join the team as soon as she turned 16.
Tottenham Women’s Football Team has undergone remarkable changes since Schillaci’s early days with the club. They now compete in the Women’s Super League and have the capability to challenge for major honors in the women’s domestic game. Schillaci attributes their progress to the dedication and investment in recruitment. The team now includes players like Bethany England, a Euros winner, and young talents like Grace Clinton, Celin Bizet, and Charlie Grant. Tottenham’s recruitment strategy, including signing players like Clinton on loan from Manchester United, has played a crucial role in their success this season.
Under the leadership of head coach Robert Vilahamn, who took charge of the team in July 2020, Tottenham has achieved some significant milestones. They have beaten Arsenal in a Women’s Super League derby and reached the FA Cup semi-finals for the first time in their history by defeating Manchester City. Schillaci believes that with their current trajectory, Tottenham will eventually challenge top teams like Manchester City, Chelsea, and Arsenal for the game’s biggest domestic honors. The team has shown great resilience after surviving a relegation battle last season and achieving their highest-ever top-flight finish in fifth place two years ago.
Tottenham’s rise in the women’s game is also evident in their infrastructure, which Schillaci describes as one of the best in the country. The team’s investment in recruitment and focus on younger players has paid off. The rise of players like Jessica Naz, who joined the club at a young age and now competes with world-class players, showcases the success of Tottenham’s pathway program. Naz, an England Under-23s starlet, has made 17 appearances in the Women’s Super League this season and has been instrumental in the team’s success. Schillaci believes that Naz’s future is bright and that she is a key example of a local player who has excelled through Tottenham’s pathway program.
As Tottenham Women’s Football Team prepares to face Leicester City in the FA Cup semi-finals, the match will take place at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, a stark contrast to the muddy pitches where Schillaci and her teammates once played. This highlights the progress that women’s football has made over the years and the growing recognition and support for the women’s game. With their current trajectory, Tottenham Women’s Football Team is on track to become one of the best teams in the country and compete for major honors in the women’s domestic game.