Interview: Getting to know Sunderland AFC Ladies full back Faye Mullen!

RR: Tell us little about yourself. What position do you play and how old are you?

FM: I am from Durham and 21-years-old. I play full-back and previously played centre midfield.

I started playing at the age of seven for my local team Coxhoe. I played for the boys team for a couple of years and then went on to the girls team. I then trialled for Sunderland Centre of Excellence under-15s and have been here since the age of 14, progressing through from the development team.

RR: Who was the player, or players, you looked up to most growing up, and why?

FM: When I was in Sunderland Development and the first team was in WSL we’d regularly train along side them or with them. I’d say I’d look up to all of them on the standard of training and seeing what I’d have to do personally to be involved in first-team ladies football.

RR: Proudest moment of your career so far?

FM: I graduated Northumbria University and as Vice Captain in my last year we managed to win both the BUCS league and cup whilst also ending unbeaten, which I was very proud of.

RR: Best game you’ve ever been involved in?

FM: The best game I’ve been involved in would probably be against Manchester City when we beat them in the WSL Development League. It was my first season with the development and being very involved, so winning that game was a very proud moment for myself.

RR: Who is your best friend in the squad?

FM: The people I’m closest to in the squad are probably the girls I went to University with such as Louise [Griffiths], Mollie [Lambert], Georgia [Gibson] and Bridget [Galloway].

We have spent a lot of time together over the last few years. With being at University, you’re living near each other and playing football together every day. Everyone’s always up for a laugh or there for you whenever you need them.

RR: The best thing about playing for SAFC ladies?

FM: The best thing about playing for the Ladies is that everyone has the same ambitions and drive. In training we all work equally as hard for each other to try and achieve.

RR: What is the one change you'd like to see in the women's game over the next 10 years?

FM: In the next 10 years I’d like to see more support and interest behind the game, which in turn should give us girls the opportunities that allow us to achieve as high as we can.

Want to keep up with Sunderland Ladies and Faye Mullen? You can follow them both at @SAFCLadies and @Faye_Mullen