Reading FC Women in the Spotlight – Harriet Scott

Harriett Scott for Reading FC Women against Liverpool Ladies. Photo: Richard Claypole.
Harriett Scott for Reading FC Women against Liverpool Ladies. Photo: Richard Claypole.

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After Reading’s excellent 4-1 demolition of Doncaster Belles last week, which saw them pick up their first win of the season in emphatic style, they now have another mid-season break until their next game away to Chelsea on 30th October.

Survival is almost secured now, unless Donny can do something miraculous with their games in hand!

One player that missed a lot of this season but is now firmly back in the Royal’s side is Harriet Scott and she is the subject of this week’s Reading FC Women in the Spotlight!

Harriet has been with the club since the dawn of time and has spent more time in blue and white hoops than the average French street performer! She has always personified everything we love about the Royals – passion, commitment, loyalty and never-say-die spirit and was rewarded last season with not only a WSL2 Champions medal but also the Loyalty Award in the Reading Sports Personality Awards.

Not only is she a cracking left-back she also has some pretty nifty dribbling skills, and an excellent shot on her, as evidenced when she opened the scoring with a screamer on the last day of last season to help clinch the title! And when she starts running towards someone with the ball they generally get out of the way!

Harriett Scott for Reading FC Women against Liverpool Ladies. Photo: Richard Claypole.
Harriett Scott for Reading FC Women against Liverpool Ladies. Photo: Richard Claypole.
She’s a bit of a Reading legend and here are her views of everything football, life and Reading:

How did you get into football and which team do you support?
Through playing in the back garden with my three sisters and my Dad. Support Arsenal!

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

Was taken to Academy trials by my best friends mum at u10’s and played throughout the age groups… 13 long years!

How Reading are you – have you been:
To Reading Festival?
Many times
On a boat on the Thames? Yes
To Reading Ikea? Yes
Stuck in a traffic jam on the A33? Yes
On the water slides at Rivermead? Yes
To The Point in Bracknell? Yes
To The Look Out or Coral Reef? Yes
To Smelly Alley in Reading? Yes – shake away do the best milkshakes down there!

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

No it wasn’t easy. I had to leave my full time job at Royal Berkshire Hospital as a physiotherapist but fortunately am able to still work some part time hours.

If football hadn’t worked out for what do you think you’d be doing now?

Physiotherapy

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

I think it’s a really good, competitive league! I’ve been really impressed with all the teams we’ve come up against so far. Got some really important points against solid sides. I feel I’ve developed as a player and am much better than I was at the beginning of the season! Really enjoyed playing against some of the most talented players in England.

Harriett Scott for Reading FC Women against Liverpool Ladies. Photo: Richard Claypole.
Harriett Scott for Reading FC Women against Liverpool Ladies. Photo: Richard Claypole.

I know you’ve spent most of your life in and around Reading – what do you love and hate about it?

I love my family being around and the fact it has everything you need!!! Shops, countryside, sports clubs! Big enough to be busy, not too big that it’s crowded. I hate the traffic in Reading!

What do your evenings and days off from football generally consist of?
Spending time with family, friends and my dog!!! When I can I work in the hospital.

Did you follow much of the Olympics? What event do you think you’d be best at?!

I was glued to the olympics. I think I’d be good at Rugby or gymnastics.

What are your personal footballing ambitions?
To develop myself as a player and continue enjoying playing!!!

How did it feel to win the Loyalty Award at the Reading Sports Awards last year? Have you got it on display somewhere?

It was lovely to be acknowledged at the awards! It was really unexpected and it’s above my fireplace at home.

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

My dog, a hairband and suncream! Have to keep the skin young.

How supportive have your friends and family been throughout your career?

Very supportive. My parents took me to training when I was younger and stood there in the pouring rain for years on end! My friends have always been very understanding about my schedule and I’m eternally grateful to everyone who has helped me get to where I am.

How would you describe yourself in 5 words?!

Diligent, ambitious, cheeky, energetic, friendly.

What would be your dream holiday and why?

Travelling around South America. It’s a part of the world I’ve never been to and I’ve heard amazing things!

What advice would you give to any youngsters dreaming of a career in football?
Take on advice from coaches, persevere and the sacrifices of training are definitely worth it.

Any message to the fans for the remaining few games?

Thank you so much for your unrelenting support (home and away!). There really is a extra player on the pitch with you all cheering on. It gives the players that extra motivation to play well and not let you all down. I hope you enjoy the games just as much as we all enjoy playing. And please carry on singing our songs, we’re in the zone on game day but I’m always listening and singing them at training. My favourite is Becky Jane’s song – so catchy!!!

 

Harriet is one of those players that fans love to watch because she always gives 100% and however many times she gets knocked down she always gets back up again! She’s a perfect role model for any youngsters looking to get involved in sport and a Royals team without players like Harriet would be a lot less enjoyable to watch.

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Thursday 28th March 2024

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