It was a pleasure to get the opportunity to chat with one of Ultimate Goal’s finalists – City Lionesses’ Mollie Rouse.

To begin I asked her how she had enjoyed being a part of the Ultimate Goal Academy?

Mollie said that it was a great experience and incredible to be around Eni Aluko, Rachel Brown Finnis and Mollie and Rosie Kmita and that she did her best to be like a sponge to soak up all that she could to benefit from their experiences and knowledge, knowing that there is the potential to learn so much.  It helped with making clear goals and helped illustrate what it takes to get to the top level of football.

She also enjoyed the masterclasses that were held, all adding to the motivational and beneficial experience of the Academy.

It soon became clear that Mollie is always looking to learn and progress and she is committed to putting everything into every session so that should an opportunity arise she will be able to make the most of it.

Playing for England at all levels between U15 and U21 (earning 60 caps) and winning bronze in the U20 World Cup has given Mollie a taste of what can be achieved and she is clearly ambitious enough to strive for the top to make the most of her own potential.

Wanting to earn a degree and continue with her football Mollie bravely packed her boots and headed for the University of Louisville in Kentucky.  This didn’t work as well as hoped but undeterred she transferred to the University of Central Florida in Orlando.  

The move proved to be a masterstroke as at Central Florida Mollie was coached by former US player Tiffany Roberts and her husband Tim (former MLS player).  She clearly thrived on the experience and opportunity of being able to learn from such top level players.  They also provided the support required both on and off the field, essential for a youngster so far from home.

I asked Mollie what she thought about the standard of football in the USA, at college level.  She told me it is incredibly high and pointed out how many English and Canadian players go through the US system.

It is hard to imagine in the UK but college sport in the USA is huge, it has amazing facilities, a massive fan base and wonderful stadiums; results to college games being reported on radio and TV. So a touch of fandom for our young player.

On returning to the UK Mollie went to Lewes to play in the Championship but after six months there she was offered her first professional contract with City Lionesses – an exciting moment in her young career.  Lionesses are currently third in the League.

Having a professional contract makes such a huge difference to an athlete, to be able to focus on football, training and playing rather than having to balance a full time job.

Mollie clearly aspires to playing at the elite level of the game and will be working hard to achieve that aim.  She told me that her team-mates at City are equally focused on being the best that they can be and striving for the top.

I asked her what her dream is: WSL, Champions League, World Cup, Olympics or playing for a European side?

She responded with “all of the above”.  

Having learnt so much from playing in the USA and benefiting hugely from the experience she would always be open to playing for a European side.

In whatever down time Mollie gets she loves being outside, walking and appreciating nature.

It was an absolute pleasure to chat with Mollie; she is bright, ambitious and hard working – I do hope that she achieves her dreams and we at 4tlos wish her all the best.

We will be keenly watching from the sidelines to see her progress.

Ultimate Goal series two premieres on BT Sport 3 on Tuesday 2nd November at 10.15pm, with episodes airing over the next five weeks on Tuesdays on BT Sport. All six episodes from series two will be available to watch via the BT Sport App from Wednesday 3rd November.

Ultimate Goal tells the story of 26 aspiring professional female footballers and their experiences during the competition as they develop skills with with world class coaches led by England football legends Eni Aluko and Rachel Brown-Finnis at a grassroots club and at the home of English Football – St George’s Park.

The series forms part of BT’s commitment, as part of its partnerships with each of the four UK “Home Nations” Football Associations, to inspire a new generation of girls and women to participate in football, on and off the pitch.