Reading FC Women in the Spotlight – Becky Jane

Reading FC Womens Becky Jane. Photo: Neil Graham.
Reading FC Womens Becky Jane. Photo: Neil Graham.

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So far in the Reading FC Women in the Spotlight series we have had the loud, cheeky, confident, messy and competitive Lois Roche, the chilled, friendly, quiet and hard working  Lauren Bruton, the dry, thoughtful, polite, competitive and funny Helen Ward and the diligent, ambitious, cheeky, energetic and friendly Harriet Scott telling us a bit about themselves. This time it’s the turn of one of the best right backs in the WSL, Becky Jane, who moved to Reading around 5 years ago.

Becky was another one of our WSL2 Champions from last season and one of the definite favourites for Fans Player of the Season this year, having finished runner-up last year to Grace Moloney. Becky has been consistently excellent this season and is definitely one of the first names on the team sheet. Here is what she had to say about her life, football and Reading:

How did you get into football and which team do you support?

My brother used to take me down the park and put me in goal to smash footballs at me when I was four, and since then I’ve been hooked. I don’t support anyone, I like to sit on the fence a lot.

How did you end up at Reading and how long have you been here?

I came on loan from Chelsea five years ago and ended up staying here!

What do you love and hate most about Reading and how does it compare to your home town?

I love that it has everything you need, I HATE the traffic, Basingstoke is so much quieter!

Which sportsperson do you look up to most and why?

I don’t really look up to anyone but after watching the Olympics I have a new found respect for the gymnasts, they were scarily good.

Becky Jane in action against Liverpool Ladies. Photo: Neil Graham.
Becky Jane in action against Liverpool Ladies. Photo: Neil Graham.

What kind of football coach are you and how does that compare to the Reading FC Women coaches?

I’m quite a passive, calm coach. I coach the u10’s and I think you have to always be positive with them at that age. I learn a lot from the coaches at Reading but I know I can’t shout as loud as they do!

Was going professional an easy decision for you and how has being pro changed your life?

Yeah for me it was a simple decision as playing football is all I’ve ever wanted to do. It’s lovely to just focus on football and nothing else.

When you were little what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a vet but this dream was short lived when I realised I’m allergic to anything with fur!

How do you feel about the WSL1 season so far for Reading and your own performances?

I think we have to be happy about how the season has gone. It was always going to be a tough transition from WSL2 but I think we’ve become a hard team to beat. Personally I’m happy with my performances and I’m loving the challenges of playing against some of the best players around.

What do your evenings and days off from football generally consist of?

They either consist of coaching, making food/ eating food or watching Bake Off.

Listen to Becky Jane on BBC Radio Berkshire talking to Tim Dellor:

What are your footballing ambitions?

I would like to be professional for as long as possible and carry on enjoying football. I think with Reading it would be nice to go further in the cup competitions and aim to win some trophies!

How did it feel to do so well at the Reading FC Women awards last year?

Yeah it was great, it’s always nice to receive the players’ player award and know your team mates view you as an important part of the team.

What 3 things would you take to a desert island that you couldn’t live without?

Well I would need my epipen because I’m allergic to nuts, a football and my phone.

How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

Quiet, quirky, squeaky, boring and chilled.

What do you make of the changes to the format of the WSL for next season?

If it means we’ll have a game a week and not 3 in 7 days followed by 0 in 5 weeks then I’m all for it. My mum won’t be happy though as she likes the summer league because it’s nice and warm!

Do you have any pre-match rituals and what is your normal match build up?

No I’m pretty boring in that sense, I always carry a bottle of water out with me though, have to keep hydrated.

What has been your footballing highlight so far in your career?

I’d have to say scoring in the u17 World Cup semi final back in 2008, and promotion with Reading last year.

Any message to the fans for the remaining few games?

Just thank you for everything over the past season, it doesn’t go unnoticed and hopefully you can enjoy the last two games!

Thanks to Becky for taking part!

Becky has been so much more than a standard full-back over the last couple of years, with her excellent dribbling skills, impeccable ball control and confidence when going forwards.

Hopefully if she keeps up her top drawer performances next season we could see her back in contention for an England squad place where she belongs!

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