It’s been a dizzying few weeks for 22-year-old Irish football international Megan Campbell. After three years attending Florida State University on a football scholarship, where she completed a degree in social science while enjoying a hugely successful time of it with the college team, the full-back signed up as a full-time professional with Manchester City. While settling in at her new club she’s also been on international duty. She’s back now in Manchester preparing for the start of the season which kicks off next week.
A hectic spell, then?
It’s been pretty full on, alright. I came over to Manchester at the start of February for a week just to see if I would fit in. Returned home on the Monday morning, then on the Wednesday my agent got in touch to say they wanted me – and they wanted me to go to Abu Dhabi for a pre-season trip. So I flew back and was in Abu Dhabi on the Thursday. And then it was off to Cyprus with Ireland. And now it’s training here [Manchester] twice a day every day. So yeah, full on!
Looking back on your time in America, a good experience?
Definitely. It worked out really well and helped me develop as a player. Education was a big part of my decision to go there so when I was offered the scholarship to continue my studies and play football, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to get my degree if, God forbid, anything ever happened. I have it now, and a diploma from IT Carlow, and some coaching badges too, so I’ll have some options when I’m done playing, hopefully.
And football-wise, it worked out well too?
It did. We had a good team that gelled really well. The college was always backing us, a lot of funding and support goes in to that women’s team. That was a big thing when I moved over there, how equal it was, you were on a level par with other teams. Luckily enough in my three years there we won the league three times and the national championships in my second year. It was definitely a great experience and something I will always cherish.
Was that a culture shock, going to a place where women’s football received that level of support?
I was in awe at that whole aspect of it. When you’re playing midweek, on a Thursday evening, when people have work and school, and there are still two or three thousand there – at a college game. For me it was madness, you just don’t expect to get that much support. The women’s game has really flourished there.
Did you think about staying on in America?
That was an option, I could have entered the draft if I wanted to, but I just wanted to move closer to home after being away for three years, to be nearer my family, my boyfriend, my friends. Unfortunately, the league in Ireland is just not strong enough yet for that to have been an option, the funding just hasn’t been put in and it hasn’t grown as much as it has in England. I needed to do what was best for my career, so that meant looking elsewhere.
Your throw-in has reached legendary status, 250,000 views on one YouTube video alone. How on earth did you learn to throw the ball that fast and far?
The manager here, Nick Cushing, asked me if I lived on a farm picking potatoes. I don’t know really where I got it from, I just had it. When I was playing under-12s with the boys, they’d be like ‘oh my God, look at her throw-in!’ I guess as I grew, it grew too. It’s definitely a weapon, a nice one to have. I’ve honestly never put any time in to it, it’s just something that’s been natural, in years to come I might have back problems but for now I’m just rolling with it and enjoying it while I have it.
Your grandfather is Eamonn Campbell of The Dubliners – you were never inspired to go down a musical route?
Ha, I don’t think I’d ever be any use at that! I tried my hand at violin in school, but naw, it was football for me. It was great, though, my Dad used to take us to lots of the concerts, and I still go every Christmas time, to Vicar Street or wherever.
Now that you’re at City . . . you weren’t a Man United fan as a kid, were you?
I still am. And we get tickets for all City’s home games, so I’ll be at the derby on Sunday. In the City end. If United score I’ll have to sit on my hands.
And look disappointed?
Exactly.
