Maeve Barve, Women's Football Club (UCLWFC)
Hi, my name is Maeve! I am a proud member of the Women’s Football Club (UCLWFC) and am a fourth-year History and Spanish student when I have the spare time. I started playing football as a fearless 10-year-old, navigating the trials and tribulations of the treacherous swamps of the Essex Sunday League. My dad, an avid supporter of The Mighty Reds #YNWA, would drive me here there and everywhere to ensure that I never missed a game of arguably the most important league in the world.
At 18, moving to university was undoubtedly one of the scariest things I had ever done. Swapping my countryside village for TCR Pret – back when coffee was free – was extremely overwhelming. Having not played football for almost 2 years due to COVID, I was hesitant to get back into it. But as soon as I stepped onto the splendour that is Hackney Marshes, I was reunited with my first love – Sunday League – and discovered my second love: post-match pub trips.
Being part of UCLWFC has been the highlight of my university experience. I have met lifelong friends, been offered a safe and welcoming bubble in the heart of an often-hectic city and found a weekly escape from the madness of essays, deadlines, and pretending to understand Spanish grammar. I know that every week, come rain or shine (and let’s be honest, mostly rain), I’ll get 90 minutes of pure joy, watching Irene’s bicycle kicks and maybe even a rogue goal (I’m counting my half goal).
Varsity is huge. It brings us all together to celebrate the season with our nearest and dearest, showcase our skills with braids and purple bows in our hair, and most importantly, publicly shame K*ngs. This year we see the return of several UCLWFC legends to cheer us on from the sidelines. Combined with my mum’s rallying cries, like a one-woman Croke Park crowd, I can’t wait to hear the chants of the UCL mob under the lights. This is my last year at UCL, my last varsity, and my last chance to remind everyone that no matter what happens on the pitch, at least we don’t go to Strand.
Varsity is huge. It brings us all together to celebrate the season with our nearest and dearest, showcase our skills with braids and purple bows in our hair, and most importantly, publicly shame K*ngs.
So, finally, to K*ngs: enjoy your annual L. Tradition is important.
#bleedpurple
