Natasha Dowie has spoken about her immense excitement on the eve of making Liverpool history.
The former striker and now the Reds’ first female ambassador is set to take part in Saturday’s annual legends game match. This year, it’s a team made up of former Chelsea players who travel to Anfield for the friendly match to raise money for the LFC Foundation.
Dowie, who is Liverpool Women’s all-time scorer and retired in 2023, was selected in the 23-person squad, becoming the first female to ever play for the club’s legends’ side. It’s a proud moment for the 36-year-old, who, in addition to raising money for thousands across the Liverpool city region, feels her inclusion is another sign of how the game is developing.
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“Thank you to the Foundation for making this happen,” she said on Friday, speaking alongside Peter Crouch at the pre-match press conference held at Liverpool’s AXA Training Centre. “I think it's a big moment for the club to be the first to involve a woman within the game. Hopefully it will inspire lots of young girls and boys.
“I wasn’t able to play football at primary school or secondary school; girls weren't allowed to play football. For me to be in this position as the first female ambassador of the club, my task is to always try and be the first, the first to play in a legends game, but hopefully not the last as well. So yes, selfishly, it's incredible. I can't wait.
“I've got all my friends and family coming up,” she added. “But I'm doing this not just for myself, but you know 5, 10, 15 years’ time, hopefully this can be the next thing and this can be something that we collaborate on again.”
Dowie described her involvement as a ‘pinch-me’ moment and admitted she looked up to the likes of Steven Gerrard, who is set to play against his old foes Chelsea, during her youth. The ex-striker cut a relaxed figure, joking about looking for Crouch’s flick-ons, scoring at the Kop End in only previous Anfield appearance and how her competitive edge would inevitably kick in when the match gets going."
But there will be other emotions at play for Dowie, who was asked what she is most looking forward to. “Absolutely the crowd,” she responded. “I think 2010, when I won the FA Cup, I think that was 25,000. That's probably the biggest crowd I've played in front of.
“Having played for Liverpool and now being ambassador, I luckily get to go to every home game and to be a fan and to hear what it's like when you hear You'll Never Walk Alone - it makes me feel like crying every single time.
“So I'm more excited right now, but I've got to admit that there's going to be a few little butterflies when I do walk out and see that crowd. I also need to just strip it back and remember why I'm doing it and again. So I just need to realize how lucky I am and make the most of it.”
All proceeds from Saturday's game will be split between Liverpool and Chelsea’s Foundations. The LFC Foundation supported over 127,000 people last year through its programmes, delivering 18,000 sessions and events across 300 community venues, including 199 schools.
It aims to tackle social inequalities in areas of high need and deprivation across the Liverpool city region and deliver sustainable and long-term change for communities to benefit future generations. The funds raised from this year’s legends game will support the LFC Foundation’s health programmes, which provide physical and mental wellbeing programmes for people of all ages. Tickets for the game can still be purchased on the Liverpool website.
