World Cup 2022: the Healthy4Life low down
Football in particular is a sport renowned for sparking strong opinions, especially in the North East! But it’s also a great way to be active.
With the 2022 World Cup underway and England’s first match imminent, we had a chat with the Healthy4Life team about their football opinions! Do you agree? Do you disagree? Regardless of your opinion, football will be prominent in all our lives over the next few weeks!
Q1: Which football team do you support and why?
Clare: I support Arsenal when I'm being a glory fan, my uncle gave me a book when I was younger with Arsenal scribbled all over it. However, Huddersfield Town is my team, it’s where I was born and raised and was the first girls football team I ever played for.
Ellen: Newcastle United FC. My dad and older brother were already die-hard Newcastle fans by the time I came along, so I didn’t really have much say in the matter.
Michael: Newcastle United – the main reason I support Newcastle United is because I live in the area but also because my family supports them. I always used to enjoy going to watch the matches when I was younger with my dad!
Q2: Who is your favourite England player and why?
Clare: Kieran Trippier. His work rate, attitude towards the game and over ability sets the standard for me. He’s also a fellow northerner so that gives him extra kudos!
Ellen: I would have to say my current favourite male England player is Kieran Trippier, especially as a Newcastle fan. His leadership, both on and off the pitch, is what really does it for me. On top of that, he is also a baller and in my opinion, one of the best English full backs right now. I am also going to mention my favourite female England player, Ellen White. She was a massive inspiration for me as a player growing up, both in her ability and her attitude. She was an absolute goal machine and managed to break the record for England’s top women’s goal scorer just before she retired this year, after helping England to their historic Euro 2022 triumph.
Michael: At the moment my favourite player is Phil Foden. A very exciting player who is very confident on the ball. He has started really well this season for his club and if England can find the ideal position for him, I think we will go far in the tournament!
Q3: Who is your favourite international player and why?
Clare: Zinedine Zidane has got to be a favourite. He was one of the greatest players of his time and has even gone on to be an amazing coach! I always thought he was a really elegant player, with great vision and was never afraid to get stuck in.
Ellen: I am going to have to go with Lionel Messi. His impeccable intelligence and ability on the pitch over the years makes him magical to watch.
Michael: My current favourite footballer is Kevin De Bruyne. Back in the day, when I use to play 11 a side, my position was also in the centre of midfield, so I am a big fan of attacking midfielders. I think his creativity and vision is one of the best the game has seen!
Q4: Who do you think will win the 2022 World Cup?
Clare: I’m going to go with Argentina!
Ellen: I think Brazil could take it this year. They’re always one of the favourites anyway, but they have been one of the teams who have performed well recently in terms of qualifying and friendlies.
Michael: At the moment, there are a few teams who aren’t performing well, including England! I fancy a team outside of Europe to win it this year. Brazil is my pick, I think they will qualify from their group easily.
Q5: What is your favourite football moment and why?
Clare: It was a great day when Huddersfield Town got promoted to the Premier League, it feels like a distant memory now! Personally, I also scored the game winning goal from outside the 18-yard box in a championship game when I played in America!
Ellen: My favourite moment as a player would be when I played one of my first games for Newcastle United Women. It was a local derby against Sunderland and I had just turned 17. I scored a brace in that game, to put us up 2-1. My dad is still to this day replaying the videos of the goals.
Michael: My favourite football moment as a player would have to be playing at St James Park in front of my family, an incredible experience! As a fan, it has to be attending the England vs Germany match in the European Championships at Wembley last year. What an atmosphere!
Football is a great cardiovascular workout, it promotes team working, it shows the importance of hard work and it teaches discipline; but for many, playing football is about the love of the game, the exercise is an added bonus that means it’s a win-win situation (even if you lose!)
Across North Tyneside there’s ample opportunity for children, young people and adults to play football:
Walking football sessions for adults, find out more here
Newcastle United Foundation provides professional disability football coaching for adults and children with a range of disabilities, find out more here
No Limits sessions for children and young people feature football coaching, find out more here
There are football teams adults and children can join, find out more here
Premier League Kicks provides young people aged eight to 18 the opportunity to play football for free, find out more here
You can book a football pitch to play with friends, find out more here
Football features regularly in the ease INTO programme which provides opportunities to be active at Easter, in Summer and over Christmas, find out more here