Lucía García has achieved her dream of becoming a professional footballer⚽️. She started playing the sport at the age of three and has played for Oviedo Moderno, Athletic Bilbao, Manchester United and Spain’s national team🏟️. Lucía took some time away from the pitch to talk to us about how learning English has helped her in her career so far, and shares her advice for those learning the language.
Watch and read our interview with Lucía García below:
What age did you start learning English?
I was able to move to the UK to play football when I was 23, before that I didn’t study as much, only when at school, so I started when I was 5 years old, but learned a little more in the last year since I moved to the UK in August 2022.
How did you find the process of learning English?
I found the process easier when I came to the UK, as all the people I talk to can speak English. It’s been easier since I moved there and now I’m getting better and better. The first days were so hard, but now it’s so much better.
What are the benefits of being able to speak more than one language?
I think one main benefit is being able to speak and communicate with more people. One benefit for me personally is being able to find work more easily and have new opportunities.
The Women’s World Cup is taking place in New Zealand and Australia at the moment, how are you feeling about the tournament?
I am a Spanish girl so I will support the national team. I wish them all the best. I am so happy for them, and I hope they go as far as they can in the tournament.
How important is it for young children to see women on their screens playing football? And what advice would you give to anyone who wants to start a career in sport?
It is good for boys and girls to see women’s football on their screens, as we are now more on TV and if they can watch the match and they can enjoy it, in the future there will still be a need for more boys and girls to play football. My advice for anyone who wants to get into sport is enjoy, play the sport they like and leave their phone at home, because they are always on their phone- so that’s my tip for them!
If you hadn’t become a professional footballer, what job do you think you would have instead?
I don’t know, but I think if I hadn’t played football I would be involved in something like teaching a sport, or something to do with personal fitness and training. Anything involved with that sort of thing, because I love sport.
As a footballer, you must have a busy schedule, what do you do to relax?
It is true, my schedule is very busy, but it is well planned. I have to train in the morning 9-3 and then I am free, so I can go for a walk, or stay at home watching movies and relax. It is true my schedule is busy, but I can share my time well so I am happy for that.
If you enjoyed this blog post, why not check out our interview with Maria Thorisdottir, professional footballer for Manchester United and Norway.
The Women’s World Cup is being held in Australia and New Zealand this summer, so it’s a great opportunity to feature some football-themed activities for your classroom. Check out the following blog posts to help your students score lots of learning goals!