It is a massive year for women’s soccer, both Canadian and international; what better way to discuss it than with someone who has experienced both worlds? Martyne Alphonso is just that – a Canadian of Guyanese heritage, who plays internationally for Guyana. Currently attending Queen’s University, we had the privilege to speak with her about her experiences playing for Guyana and her thoughts on the development of women’s soccer.
You took part in CONCACAF qualifying matches for the Guyanese women’s U20 national team in 2012 – what was the experience like, and how did it come about?
I think the best way to describe it is simply surreal. At the time I was playing in a Spanish Futsal league in Mississauga, and my Guyanese grandparents were in the stands watching the game. One of the players on the Guyanese Women’s team also happened to be there and overheard my grandparent’s accent. After sparking a conversation with them while watching me play, she put me in contact with the coaching staff, and I was recruited for the team. Eight months later I was on a flight to Guyana for the CONCACAF qualifying matches. Upon arrival in Guyana there were complications with my citizenship and passport papers, which delayed me from playing the first few matches. Luckily it was sorted out by the time our second round of games commenced in Cuba. Stepping onto the pitch for the first time in uniform was probably the most nervous and excited I’ve ever been. The experiences I’ve had with the Guyana Lady Jags have been unforgettable and hands down the best experience I’ve had thus far in my life.
You’re from Toronto – in fact, many Guyanese players originate from outside the country. How did this affect the team dynamic?
The team was compiled of players from across North America, the U.K, and a few Guyanese locals. Most of us live in the Toronto area so our practices prior to the qualifying matches consisted of only players residing in Ontario. Some of our players I met in Guyana, or in the airport, so it was tricky figuring out team chemistry until a few days before the matches. Luckily it came together in time, and we got to know each other’s style of play quickly.
What was the experience like, and would you have accepted a call from Canada if they had contacted you?
The experience helped define who I am as a person. It was equally about soccer as it was about pride, and representing my family and country. It was my first time travelling to Guyana, and seeing my family heritage. Standing on the field for the first time whilst facing a crowd of fans and hearing the Guyanese anthem play was a moment I’ll never forget.
Being a bicultural Canadian citizen, it would have given me equal pleasure representing Canada if they had contacted me, however my experiences playing for Guyana is something I wouldn’t trade for the world.
Being both Canadian and Guyanese, you are familiar with two different soccer cultures, one mature and one developing. Why is the continued growth of women’s soccer around the world so vital, and how must it continue to develop?
Women’s soccer is still developing in many areas of the world, and I am so very fortunate to have grown up playing in Canada surrounded by amazing talent and coaches who have developed many phenomenal players. Most of the Guyana Lady Jaguars currently live in areas of the world where the sport is highly developed, which allows us to showcase our talent and further our chances of advancing through qualifiers. Women’s soccer in Guyana is still developing, and our hopes as a team are not only to represent the country, but also inspire local girls to play. Right now in developing soccer nations it’s all about sparking interest and offering leagues for girls to participate in. As a role model for young female players in Guyana, we hope we’ll start to see girls take off and soon join the national programs.
This summer Canada is playing host to the FIFA Women’s World Cup – even though you may not be participating and nor has Guyana qualified, what does it mean to you having the World Cup in the nation you’ve grown up in?
Hosting the Women’s World Cup is exciting not only because the world’s greatest female talent will be playing on our home soil, but also because of the national pride and recognition it stirs up. Women’s soccer typically receives less hype than the men’s, but I believe having the World Cup here in Canada will not only unite Canadian sports fans, but also inspire female athletes to pursue their athletic goals. I’ll be travelling to Montreal in June to cheer on Canada, as well as witness some of the incredible skill of the other competing nations.
Is it safe to say that despite the reputation of the men’s team, Canada is actually a hotbed for soccer talent?
Absolutely, often Canada is disregarded in the soccer world, however many people don’t know our women’s team is ranked amongst the top ten teams in the world. Our soccer talent is still in the midst of developing structures to showcase the talent we have to offer. Even spin-off sports like Futsal are becoming more well known, and youth are growing up with a lot more soccer outlets than were available in the past. Expect a lot more from Canada in the near future.
Since 2007, the Canadian men’s professional soccer landscape has grown dramatically with eight clubs across the nation and with them eight opportunities for local soccer culture to develop. Will the women’s game ever develop to this point, and if so, what steps must be taken in your opinion?
It’s not that we lack the talent, however we’re lacking the structure to continue skill development into early adulthood. For women, to continue competing at a high level, most are exported down to the United States to play for American colleges. Canadian schools are slowly starting to develop high levels of athletics, however it is far from the American standards. After graduation many players either move on to a recreational level, or some continue on to play in the NWSL. Canada is still developing the clubs to support a high level of women’s play after the U21 level. Like most Canadian sport pursuits, the men’s leagues will shape the structures that women’s teams will adopt in future years. At this point, I can easily see women’s leagues catching up to that of their male counterparts in the next decade.
What are some things that you’ve taken from your journey through matches with Guyana’s U20 side; how has this experience impacted your life?
After years of competitive soccer, I’ve learned many life skills as well as athletic aptitudes. The matches played with Guyana have taught me that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. When I was eight years old I sat watching Christine Sinclair on TV and dreamt that one day I would represent my country on the field. Ten years later, as cliché as it sounds, I got to live out my dream and I know that there are so many female athletes who are more than capable of the same. This experience has shaped my work ethic, and proved to myself what I am capable of. This is a message I want to spread to all aspiring young athletes: Regardless of the level of play, if you’re passionate and willing to put the work in, never give up on your goals, no matter how slim the chances are. You’ll surprise yourself with what you’re truly capable of.
