Ruth Allen: football passion ignites from England into Seoul Calcio FC

At the age of nine she started to connect with football. Credit: Seoul Calcio FC

For many, the label "athlete" embrace strandards of elite professionals, standed by years of rigorous training and blessed with exceptional talent. However, for this 21-year-old native from Blackpool, England, the essence of an athlete lies not solely in skill, but into the dedication to giving one's absolute best in every performance, regardless of the level. This philosophy fuels Ruth Allen journey on the left wing for Seoul Calcio FC, a passion ignited at the age of nine by shared moments watching football with her father, Tim.

That initial spark expanded into a profound connection with the beautiful game, supported its way through her personal and academic life. Football became more than just a sport; it forged lasting friendships and became a constant source of joy, enriched her life immeasurably, creating bonds that transcend geographical boundaries.

Her move to Seoul and subsequent involvement with Seoul Calcio FC have offered a unique perspective on football training methodologies.

Drawing a contrast between her experiences in England and the training in Italy, which forms the basis of Seoul Calcio's approach. She observes a greater emphasis on individual skill development and its seamless integration into a cohesive team dynamic. Stepping into the environment leds by the coach Matteo Cerica for the first time remains a vivid memory. The chilly night air mirrored the nervous anticipation of meeting her new teammates. This initial apprehension, however, quickly dissolved into a sense of belonging, fostered by the welcoming spirit of the club.

Following the instructions of Matteo Cerica. Credit: Seoul Calcio FC

"Matteo is a really good coach and is always encouraging to all the players. He’s also really good at explaining things and demonstrating how things should be done", expressed Ruth.

Through her footballing journey, invaluable life lessons have been learned and internalized. The diverse composition of her team back in England, comprising players with varying levels of experience, underscored the importance of patience and teamwork, understanding the gap between experienced veterans and absolute beginners.

Interestingly, her competitive spirit has been significantly sharpened since dedicating herself to playing. The notion of a casual "friendly" match has all but vanished, replaced by an intrinsic drive to compete and strive for victory in every encounter.

Her father stands as her unconditional supporter, his constant encouragement and lighthearted humor providing a vital source of strength, especially during challenging moments on the field.

Furthermore, the electrifying talent and unwavering dedication of English women's football player Chloe Kelly serve as a powerful motivator, pushing her to continually strive for improvement.

Mindset

Navigating the pressures of competition and the expectations of coaches and family is approached with a grounded perspective. While football holds significant importance in Ruth's life, she maintains a healthy understanding that a single game does not define her. This allows her to approach each match with a sense of enjoyment rather than being weighed down by undue pressure.

Her passion for sports extends to the professional realm, with Liverpool's Mohamed Salah currently holding the esteemed title of favorite player. As a devoted Liverpool fan, the unforgettable Champions League victory against Barcelona in 2019 stands out as a cherished highlight, a testament to the unpredictable magic of the sport.

The experience as an athlete has just started. For young individuals considering pursuing football or any other sport, her advice is simple yet profound: give it your absolute best effort and find joy in the process. Mistakes are inevitable, but as long as passion and enjoyment remain central, the journey itself becomes the ultimate reward.