‘I learned to open my mind’
{mb_sdlf_jugador_SDLF-jugador_frase-destacada}Sofía Fernández goes through the difficulties she encountered at the beginning of her footballing journey and the satisfaction of making progress.
The ability to adapt is key for any player, but may be especially important for women athletes. Women’s football still hasn’t been standardized around the world and in many countries, women who practice it are an exception. Being able to dedicate themselves to their passion means having to adapt to eminently masculine contexts, something that is by no means easy.
“It’s true, starting out isn’t easy. When you ask to play, people won’t take you seriously, and when you play, you won’t exactly be seeing the ball at your feet very much. But, when you settle on a team and your teammates get to know and respect you, that’s when you really start to enjoy it.”
“I learned to identify exactly what happens on the pitch, to analyze the situation, to play the game properly”
Sofia spent last October at Marcet Soccer Camp in Mexico City, her hometown. Soon after, she was on a plane to Barcelona for the Checking Program. “I adapted very well, all the guys were very welcoming and respectful, I knew it was going to be a hard two weeks of intense training, but I really enjoyed it and just didn’t want it to end.”
In the video above, the Mexican midfielder recounts her experience at Marcet: “Every day I saw myself improve that little bit more and it felt great. I learned to identify exactly what happens on the pitch, to analyze the situation, to play the game properly. I have opened my mind.”