Asta’s story

 

Growing up in Guelph, Ontario, Asta Thomson remembers being told that she shouldn’t lift weights because it wasn’t lady-like. She was also told she would never make a career from playing soccer since only a small percentage of women actually get very far.   

Now 18, Asta has overcome her doubts as a youth player and dispelled all the negative stereotypes. The Toronto Blizzard graduate just won a Scottish Youth Challenge Cup in only her first season with the Glasgow Girls FC U18 team.

Asta had been playing on boys’ teams in the Guelph area for several years before progressing to the Waterloo OPDL squad. After a stint at the Inter Academy, her dad Craig encouraged her to give the Blizzard a try in 2021.

She was attracted to the Blizzard academy program by its organization and professional operation.

“With the Blizzard, I was practicing more than I ever had and spent a lot more time on the ball,” Asta recalls. “Warm-ups were 30 minutes long and included dynamic stretching and fitness before we transitioned to ball control, skills and tactics.”

Asta adapted quickly to her new environment and soon embarked on playing tours and showcase tournaments.

“The showcases helped me since I was playing against older girls and women,” Asta said. “That forced me to become more aware and to get stronger and more aggressive in my play.”

While Asta considered opportunities to attain a college scholarship, she had her sights set on a different path.

“It was always my plan to turn pro,” Asta revealed. “I had been going to Scotland frequently with my family when I was younger and had chances to try out for a couple of teams. I was fortunate to get a trial with Glasgow Girls & Women’s FC and I was impressed by their presentation and what they expected from their players.”

Last July, Asta joined the Glasgow Girls U18’s and, in a few short months, she was already wearing a winner’s medal, having helped the team reach the final of the Scottish Youth Challenge Cup, where they beat Penicuik Athletic 4-3 in an exciting match.

“It was a great experience,” Asta recalls. “We played in front of a big crowd at a true soccer pitch. The atmosphere and attention was so different. The entire game was tense and I loved it.”

As a central defender, Asta has adapted well to Scottish football. “There’s a lot of determination and focus among the women here and they’re very aggressive on the pitch but that’s also my playing style so it suits me.”

Off the pitch, she has overcome some of the cultural differences and found a role to play in her community.

“I work as a barista in a coffee shop three days a week,” Asta said proudly. “We train in the evenings on Tuesdays & Thursdays so I go to the gym during the day and prepare for training at night. Matchdays are on Sundays. It’s very similar to the Blizzard routine so I am quite happy with it.”

While Asta’s immediate goal is to one day play a regular role with the first team, she leaves no doubt as to what her long term ambition is. “Everyone’s dream is to play pro in England so that is what I am working towards.”

While she only spent a scant two years at the Blizzard academy, Asta grew into the strong and confident young woman she is now thanks to the Blizzard program.

“Growing up I struggled with fitness, so going to the gym, lifting weights and running all help with your overall fitness. Joe (Parolini) always told us to keep your core strong so you’re less likely to be knocked off the ball.”

And what advice does she have for young girls just joining the Blizzard program?

“If you stick with it, train on your own and have fun, you’re bound to do well.”