An Undying Passion
Caitlin Shaw, Canada
Goal Click teamed up with FIFA to tell the story of the 2018 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in Uruguay from the perspective of players, referees, journalists and photographers. Caitlin Shaw is a midfielder for the U17 Canadian Women’s National Team.
What is your football story?
I’ve been playing soccer since I was six years old and have always had an undying passion for the sport. Throughout my career I’ve been able to travel all over the world while having the honour of representing my country. Soccer is a huge part of my life and I hope to be involved in the sport forever.
Who is in the photos?
I took a photo of a group of men whom had banded together to organise a friendly match on a grass field a couple of blocks away from the ocean in Montevideo. There was a group of local performers entertaining the customers of a local café in the downtown marketplace. My teammates from the U17 National team, Kaila Novak and Kayza Massey, play in the middle of the marketplace downtown.
What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?
I tried to capture the culture and vibe of Uruguay. The locals carried so much pride of their country and created such a positive environment to travellers like myself. A group of local children and men joined us to kick the ball around and show off their skills and tricks. This resulted in a huge crowd of people taking videos and pictures, and cheering us on.
What was your experience of playing at the U17 WWC?
My experience at the World Cup was very memorable. Heading into the tournament as the underdogs and placing 4th was a great accomplishment that our team were all very proud of. The country Uruguay itself never ceased to amaze me, and when the journey came to an end it was very hard to leave.
Why is football so important for Canada and Canadian girls?
Football is very important for Canadian girls to show them they can share the same goals and receive the same opportunities that boys do. Football means a lot to me because it helps me express who am I as well as give me endless opportunities to see the world and make lifelong friendships.
What does the future look like for women’s football?
The future for women’s football is very bright. Many professional clubs around the world are developing women’s teams, and therefore allowing more opportunities for women to play professionally. There is still a long way to go in terms of equal pay and opportunity for women in soccer but I feel that the gap is closing.
