Who’s The Big Cat In The Middle?

Finland, it would seem, is the go to place for elite level Britballers this summer if they are looking to get some reps, as opposed to some rays. Having just finished competing in the Women’s Worlds in Canada, Birmingham Lions middle linebacker Affy Afia hopped on a flight to the land of the midnight sun, where she will be suiting up for the Jyvaskyla Jaguars. You’ll perhaps be familiar with Affy’s swashbuckling on field style as she rampages around opposition backfields, but how did she get to this latest stop on her football journey? I checked in with her to find out.

How did the opportunity to play in Finland come about?

I saw that the team were looking for import players so I enquired and sent off my highlight reel, they came back to me and offered me a position on the team.

How long will you be there for?

I will be here until mid-September which is when the finals will be held. Unfortunately, I missed the first few games of the season due to my training commitments running up to the Wold Championships in Canada.

Is it a pro league, or semi pro?

Semi Pro.

How old are you, When did you start playing? And who for?

I am 25 now and started playing 6 years ago for Portsmouth Destroyers while I was at university. It was the first year of American Football for women in the UK and there were just the three teams competing, Portsmouth Destroyers, Southampton Stags and Hertfordshire Tornadoes.

Have you always played linebacker, and what do you like about the position?

No, I haven't always played Linebacker, whilst at Portsmouth I played Receiver and Running back/Full back and also played Receiver for GB flag. However since playing for GB and Birmingham Lions I have just played middle Linebacker which is where I like to play. I like playing linebacker because I like playing in a high contact position. I also like being in a position where I'm able to read the game.

You've seen a lot of success with both the Birmingham and GB Lions, what motivates you?

It motivates me to keep achieving more in the sport, I'm sure there will be lots of new challenges ahead, both with the Birmingham Lions Programme and Great Britain. The upcoming European Championships in two years will be big for us after coming second in the previous European Championships. I am also motivated to continue growing the sport so that other women have the opportunity to play.

You've just played in the Women's World Championships, what did you take from the experience?

The Women's World Championships was a great experience! It was good to be able to compete with some of the best teams in the world and play against teams such as Canada who compete at such a high level. I hope that in the future we are able to develop the sport in this country to a level like the Canadians and USA play at. On a personal level competing at the World Championships has motivated me to continue working hard for future games and tournaments, including the European Championship in 2 years.

When you get back from Finland, what are your plans?

Once I get back from Finland I will start preparing for the Birmingham Lions season.

The Finns have long been at the forefront of developing Football in Europe, with their first competitive leagues being formed as far back as 1979. Their Women’s tackle football competition debuted in 2008, and it’s gone from strength to strength. I’m sure Affy will make a big impact in the Finnish league as she prowls from sideline to sideline delivering her trademark hits!