Football fanatic, Gilly Flaherty, spent her Year Dot proving herself on the pitch at Arsenal’s Ladies Academy.

Gilly's Story

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Gilly Flaherty

FA Cup Final

01/07/2009

It's a big day for Gilly... Will she be one of the starting eleven stars selected to perform on football's biggest stage?


Gilly's to do list

  1. Get into the starting 11 for Arsenal Ladies First Team
  2. Get selected for England U19 European Championship Finals
  3. Get selected for either England U17/U20 world cup
  4. Graduate from college
  5. Get accepted to university
  6. Be in the running for FA Young Player of the Year

Gilly's big plan

Posted: 30/06/2008

I guess people might be able to tell a lot about me as a person once they read my goals. Just by looking at them you can see that I have quite a few relating to football. Football is my life and means everything to me. When football is going well for me I’m happy and people close to me notice this. This season I was mainly on the bench for the 1st team, getting a good amount of minutes under my belt, but next year I really want to push on and secure a starting 11 place. At the end of the season there are FA Awards, and my aim is to be in consideration for the FA Young Player of The Year Award. But only good performances will get me there so this will spur me on. Regarding my international career, this season is a big season for the U17s/U19s/U20s. I would love to be selected for the England U19 European Championship finals in July, and also for either the U17 or U20 world cups in the winter. Both of these competitions will be the pinnacle of my youth career so far and I really want to play on the top stages for football.

My other goals are related to my academics. I want to leave college with top grades and get accepted for university. None of my family has gone to university, and as I was always seen as the less academic person in my family, to go on to university will be a personal spur for me.

Gilly's journal

Final Update: 18/06/2009

Goodbyee..

Hey everyone, I guess this is goodbye?? But not forever trusstttt meee :D

What a year ay?? It all started with me going away to play for england u19s in the euro's, when i gave away a pen against sweden and we got sent home coz of it. Was devestated but i had to move on and look forward 2 the season with arsenal. That started off cool aswell, started games, but then lost my place and struggled to get it bk. Went away with england u20s to world cup and didnt start either. Then came back and with injuries that happened in first team i got my chance again at centre back and there i was to stay for rest of season :)

My football has really picked up towards the end of the year and im really pleased with it. I am proper happy with it so hopefully my career will be alright :) Make sure you keep upto date with my footie and still get intouch with me if you want to talk etc...

What have i learnt this year?? WOW i have learnt so much, bout myself, bout other people, and just about life in general. I have learnt that no matter how hard you try to keep someone in your life sometimes they just aint meant to be there. Dont make anybody, and i mean anybody, ''everything'' to you, because when they decide they want to go, or they aint there n e more, it hurts..alot. I probably havent been that open this year but for my final blog i am. Things have happened to me this year which i didnt think was going to happen, but it can only make me stronger. The problem with me is that i am naive, i only see the best in people, and i admitt i let myself get close 2 people easily. But thats going to change. Trust me. I want to find ''me'' first, before letting n e body else in. The next few years im going to focus on just enjoying football, family, and me. Hopefully i will be in a steady job, playing football at a high level, and having my own place.

My family have been my rock this year. Through everything and anything they are there 24.7, no matter what. I obviously owe a lot to my mum and dad, without them i wouldnt be where i am today, and i know they find things tough but their main priority is my happiness, and thats what i owe them alot for. My sisters are everything to me too, they are there for me 24.7 too and i have got so much closer to them the last year. I also have my brother in laws which i love alot. My nieces - honey, gracie and poppy, and the new addition to the fam my nephew - bobby. The littlens are everything to me and i cant wait to go home and spend proper time with them and watch them grow up.

Well, i dont want to say bye but i guess i got too? you have a seen a year in my life, and now its time to go. Please feel free to get intouch if you want to, you are all still my friends on myspace/facebook. I have enjoyed this year, its been different, but its an experience i wont ever 4get, i got my life filmed for a year, and it will always stay with me. For those who followed my yeardot, i hope you have liked it, i hope you have laughed and maybe cried too? i know i have cried lol on cam too how embarrassing. My friend viney says hi by the way..hes NOT goodlooking :) lol

Anyways... Take care, maybe i will see you around sometime??

PEACE OUT

Gilly Flaherty

Read all of Gilly's blogs here

Still want more?

Want more information on sports and how to get involved? Interested in P.E. teaching resources for your classroom? Have a rummage round the sites below:

Gilly's Arsenal Press

Arsenal Ladies

Fair Game: The Woman's Football Magazine

P.E. Resources Bank

Your messages

Gilly's had some amazing support:

Heyahh i saw yeardot on the tell . And just thought that it were very brave of you all to appear on telly just like that . I hope what u decide in ur futue is down to you ,
Hope things go well all the best ammii ,x

amii (170 days ago) Report Comment

Hey Gilly. Just started looking at this year dot stuff and your story interested me the most. I've started playing football about 2 years ago and people tell me i'm good :) i'm the same age as you but your in a position already where i'd love to be. How did you get as far as you did? Looked at your profile and it's amazing what you've done already, well done. :D xx

Alex Hammond (170 days ago) Report Comment

heyyy gilly, i seen ur goals and u have set some good ones, u said football is your life,i play football and want to reach a high level,but i dont know like were to start,and i hope u get the FA young player of the year

sarah jackson (170 days ago) Report Comment

Gilly, you really inspire me. You've brought to light womens football and emphasised how beneficial it is physically and mentally. I really admire you.. i hope you always follow your dreams and they come true.

Brooke (171 days ago) Report Comment

hi gilly,,,i play for a team outside of school and my family think that im really good but im only at my first year in secondary.I am in the school team but i was wondering how you make it to play for a proper team.My dad want me to see if i can play for Argyle in goal and my team outfield,,,do you know if this is possible????Do you have any advice???:)

Ellie (171 days ago) Report Comment

Hi Gilly I watch you on channel 4 show. You are a positive role model, and I wounder if you could give a talk to the young people at the youth project I am setting up in Walthamstow. Keep up your good work.

Evette (Youth worker) (171 days ago) Report Comment

hey gilly, i have just seen year dot for the first time, and i play football for a team out-side of school and you have really got me thinking about what i want to do when im older because im 13 now and i know i have alot more years to go yet but i was thinking about taking it about what i want to do and i actually really would love to play for england, alot of people say i could be a pro but i dont think i can im not quit sure, and i really need to loose weight so im abit more fit do you have any advice for that Can You help me?. Thanks xx

Kelly-Jane (171 days ago) Report Comment

Hey Gill I used to play football growing up and everyone used to tell me i could make it as pro, but due to a death in the family i gave up football and gained weight and so on. But now i think about it i really want to get back into football loose all my weight and play for a team and maybe one day be reconised. can you help me? xxx

Danielle Williams (171 days ago) Report Comment

hi ya im watchin yeardot now think your amazin nd good luck for the future x

jade (171 days ago) Report Comment

Hi Gill, I follow a lot of football especially englands latest success in the euros. I am also an arsenal supporter so follow the ladies as well. It was a shame when the US pro league started as the team lost some good players but it doesn't seem to show as arsenal won 2-1 against sunderland without Carney or Smith etc.I have played football since I could walk basically and love playing and watching it.I have played for local village teams and last season with Cambridge Utd where I really developed as a player. I am off to Loughborough Uni tomorrow and during the week the uni is holding football trials. I am a centre back like yourself and so would love to play this position in the team. I have just read your final blog and really wish you the best of luck, from what I've seen your a real talented young player and i am sure your place is guaranteed, all the best of luck. You are an inspiration to a lot of young girls playing football today so keep up the hard work and you will see the rewards. All the best. Paris, 18.

Paris Brixey (174 days ago) Report Comment

i just want to say i've watch you play and you are really good i use to play football when i was 11 for about 2 years i had to give it up as i had a long term leg injury but now watching you play has really inspired me and i'm going to get back in to training wish all the best for you

rochelle morris (183 days ago) Report Comment

Hi Gill you are very good at football and i hope i cn be good like you 1 day im 12 years old and play for holmer lake football team i am really enjoying football and have only been playing for 1 year Good luck in the Future
Jennax

Jenna Boddison (184 days ago) Report Comment

hi gilly well done for pursuing your goals i admire your determination.
i used to play for my county but lost sight and gave up.. watching u made me remember how much i used to enjoy it so may start training again... good luck for everything in the future...

charley tinsley (184 days ago) Report Comment

Hey, just wanted to say good luck for the future. Think what your doing is brilliant and hopefully female football will keep getting more popular.

All the best xx

Marie (184 days ago) Report Comment

Hey Gilly, i think your amazing. I love football, and i wish i was abit more like you and take risks. Not much more so say but good luck for the future :) Going to miss you xx

Sakina (184 days ago) Report Comment

I have just watched you on tv. lovving ur determination! i closley follow womens footy....love watching powell and her determination for england ladies footy as well... i play a lot....was the only girl on the boys team at collage and now only girl at a local indoor session. i love it! Bring more women into the game and More media coverage of the womens game! we do it just as well!keep going kid! ur gr8 4 the girls!
xx

Lotti C (184 days ago) Report Comment

just been watchin year dot on tv and gotta admit its a first for me. i admire your determination as a female footballer and think u are amazin im a footballer myself and enjoy to watch male and female football . i hope you achieve your dream, you deserve it keep practising and work hard and you will go far

kye fox (184 days ago) Report Comment

hey gilly really telten football i alos play football for disbiltes team millwall disbiles south east london we been in preminshinp this year 2009/10 hope your have geart football year take care shalim

shalim ali (184 days ago) Report Comment

I Think your amazing. I love football and ive been playing for nearly 4 years. Im 13 and im too scared to try out for the teams like aston villa. When im older i would love to play Professionally but im not sure weather i would be good enough.Should i try out? Its amazing that your helping lots of girls to get into football and hopefully one day girls will get paid as much as boys. x

VillaGirll (188 days ago) Report Comment

hi gill,

its great what your doing mate, proper good for the womens game and it can only improve it
also doing yourself proud oh and our addeya nd stanhoe school !

see the vid mr cawley lol bet he loved it ;)

wish you best of luck with things gill

well done keep it up

Joe
x

Joe Goldsmith (216 days ago) Report Comment

Hi gilly, just wanted to say, i watched the fa cup final a while back now, but i remember being impressed with your game in defence and i was surprised to find out you're only seventeen like me! wow, i'm sure you have a bright career ahead of you and i wish you every success for the future xx

Alex (244 days ago) Report Comment

OMG i as there watching you!!!
WELL DONE:)

Georgia Brown (246 days ago) Report Comment

Hi gilly, I am your biggest fan and I think so much of you. I tell all my friends about you and whenever I c you I just love it. Can't wait to be introduced to you one day, maybe we could end up as mates, maybe more lol hahahahahaha speak to you soon can't wait to watch your new films. Byeeeeee x x x x x x x

charlotte (283 days ago) Report Comment

hiya,
i watched the final a few weeks back, it was a great game to watch, i thought you was brill and that the opponents gave a great display aswell. Its really inspiring watching you all play and all the hard work you do to promote the game, ive just passed my level 1 coaching last month and im going in for my level 2 soon, i was out for the season after tearning my knee ligaments and wanted to carry on doing something in the game so thought it would be a great oppertunity to give something back. I was just wondering though because i went to trails for leeds a few years back and got to the last round but unfortunatly i didnt get through as i didnt speak up due to my confidence been low but now im willing to give it everything as ive built on that and have trials for a few teams including leeds united centre of excellence again and was wondering if you had any advice for me? would be great to hear from you but i understand you are busy x

kayley (297 days ago) Report Comment

Hi Gilly, i saw you play on the 4th May in the FA Cup Final at Pride Park.You played brill and so did the rested of the team. Im so glad that you won as im an arsnal ladies supporter. Im nearly 12 and i would love to be a professional footballer just like you! I have been watching all of your year dots and the really inspire me. How do you play like you do?! Lol. Whens your next match? Get back to me if you can, but don't worry if you can't because I no that you have a busy life. Love Paige x

Paige (310 days ago) Report Comment

hiya Gilly, i watched you play at Derby on Monday against Sunderland, it was awesome i thought the whole of arsenal played brill! i watch you on the tele some times because i find your life very exciting and interesting. It is my dream to be a profesionel footballer, but when i saw you play i thought i could never be that good:(. I hope we can get in touch but i know you have a busy life!!
thanx
<3
x

Georgia Brown (313 days ago) Report Comment

Hia, saw a few of you on channel 4... Must be amazing being you, hard wiv all the trainin but gd!!! I recon ull b a big talent in the fture and i hope u do well!!! I think its great teh work your doing 2 get ladies football more noticed. As football is great id rather go watch womans football lol :D
But seriously your doin a great job, well done !!!

In regards to ''davilla'' comment if your sister is that good im sure she'l get scouted !!!

Gareth (328 days ago) Report Comment

hi Gilly.It's florence from arsenal u.10's.I think the year dot is really cool.I've watched all of them and I think yours is the best.keep going.

Florence (341 days ago) Report Comment

hey gilly i really appriciat what you doing and i think it a good thing and would like to get in contact with you because i have got a sister that really like much and play for her school team and i would like you help us get her in a club
looking forward for you're answer
thank you

davilla (346 days ago) Report Comment

Hi Gilly..
Just wanted to say well done for everything you have been doing, I have been reading your profile and everything else, I think its so cool for someone your age that your so talented and have been getting a lot of support of all your family and friends!
Just wondering but you probably dont remember me but last year i had Arsenal Ladies Academy trials, and I didnt get through, i was in your team for the matches and you gave me the best advice ever, and i dont think i would be here now, you told me to never give up and keep your chin up.
I'm 17 years old and im going to America in January for 4 years because i got a scholarship and i never gave up.
I think you will be a huge credit to everyone when your older and also a great role model, you will be in the first 11 starting team for the Arsenal Ladies and i wish you every success for the furture.. Keep going and follow your dreams.!!
Good luck..!
Nikki xxx

Nikki (353 days ago) Report Comment

all the best gilly hope u achieve all ur dreams

jock (353 days ago) Report Comment

hiya gilly.
firstly i want to say its great to see someone finally trying to get more and more people into womens football instead of it constantly being about the fellas!
and secondly good luck with everything i really hope you get there =].... i play goalkeeper on my team and had to fight back hard to get on the team after a serious ankle injury which saw me out for a few years but really, good luck with all of it! and well done on making the starting 11 and scoring twice!!
kim xx

kim (353 days ago) Report Comment

Hey Gilly!
I've been following Year Dot for a while, but I hadn't watched many of your videos until I caught the TV show the other day. It seems like you're working towards some really positive goals, and I really admire your determination to encourage more girls to get involved in football. Good luck with the rest of your Year Dot - I hope it goes well for you! xx

Tammy (374 days ago) Report Comment

I watch yeardot and I Think u amazing person.
I'm polish and my launguage is not good, but I Love Football , football is my life and will be for ever.
I try play in my College but I must play with boys because there is only 1 girl which she want to play its me.
please tell me more about arsenal team .
If u can write on my e-mail : monika.milewska@o2.pl :)

Monika (374 days ago) Report Comment

Hey Gilly am realy happy to see a girl into sport and show soo much intrest even tho i am a boy i like when other genders show intrest in football i am a big fan of football i hope you sucseed in life hope to speak to you soon....

Jamal (375 days ago) Report Comment

hi Gilly, iv just watched your new yeardot program, its really good to see your campaigning to get girls into football, its forever been something that people have thought is a men only sport which is totally not true!! well done on getting chose for the england under20s world cup, its a really big achievement! its a shame you didnt get to play but its one step closer to achieveing your dreams. your doing really well and i hope you continue all your hard work and achieve what you set out to do! well done!
love jess
xxx

Jess (376 days ago) Report Comment

im glad your trying to get other girls into football, and prove that they can play just as good as the boys can. i love footy nd i support sunderland fc, i go and watch the ladies play when i can - and my dream is to play for them but cant find a way to get into an acadamy as i have never played in a proper team before. any advice? and good look with your career, hope you reach all your targets.
elaina,14

elaina (378 days ago) Report Comment

I watch yeardot and I Think u amazing person.
I'm polish and my launguage is not good, but I Football , football is my life and will be for ever.
I try play in my College but I must play with boys because there is only 1 girl which she want to play its me.
please tell me more about arsenal team .
If u can write on my e-mail : monika.milewska@o2.pl :)

Monika (378 days ago) Report Comment

go gilly u can go alll the way the way with ur dreams, trust am nuff proud of u, always keeep smilin cos u make my day :) n trust u got more support than u think

Luke S (381 days ago) Report Comment

hey gilly
just wanted to say ur such an inspiration.
all young girls can look up to and think one day they could be like you.
keep it up.

peace.

danielle (381 days ago) Report Comment

Hi Gilly, my names Jenny I’m 17 in march. I saw you on year dot the other day and I think you are awesome! There is nothing in the world I want more than to play football. I have played all my life, I’ve played for Dorset county, Weymouth U14s, my school team and now I play for my college team and Weymouth ladies. I put 200% into my football even if its just a kick about down the park so that one day I might even get the chance to be in your position playing for Arsenal!! I do everything I can to become a better player, but I would love to go to a summer camp or a quality coaching session to improve my game. Please help me get involved I’m desperate to play with people as motivated and enthusiastic as me, no matter how far it is and I have already worked hard to save up for one, and could you let me know how you got into football and playing at a top level that would really help. Good luck for you’re La Manga trip and you’re driving test! Hope it all goes well for you and I hear from you soon :D xx

Jenny (381 days ago) Report Comment

hi gilly.
im 19 an love football i realy think you have done very well, do you think you could give me some advice on finding some where i could start playing football againg. e-mail me at yanna16@hotmail.co.uk

leanna (381 days ago) Report Comment

hii gilly i think your so cool im 12 and i used to play football but i cant find another team if you no one arond hackney or some were plz tell my thanks!! ruby

ruby (382 days ago) Report Comment

Hey Gilly,

Just watched the YearDot program, thought you have done well with your life, Just look to the future now so maybe i will see you on TV playing for the England ladys, If you could send me some info on how you got into playing for Arsenal and how it started that would be great. chav_james06@hotmail.com is my email address so hope to hear from you soon
Fromm J xx

James (382 days ago) Report Comment

Hi, I've just watched yeardot and never seen it before. I think your an inspiration, your a year younger than me and I can only dream of playing for Arsenal Ladies!! I play for my local side and I think that ladies like you are great for the game.

Rachel (382 days ago) Report Comment

Heya :] just watched yeardot and i think what your doing is amazing and an inspiration,played football all my life but had to stop when got serious injury,been training again for almost a year now but with no team to join also my confidence took a big knock when i got unjured but hoping to get over that to get back with a team. you keep goin and you will get to where you want to be,fingers crossed for you :D, email if you can. thanks stacy xxx

Stacy (382 days ago) Report Comment

Hi Gilly,

I saw this programme by accident, and saw that you went to Addey and Stanhope school (my old school) to give some of the girls a talk. I know its really difficult to do, but I think you did brilliantly.

Good luck with it all!

James (382 days ago) Report Comment

one more thing tht i forgot to add im 16 and want to make it as an england player never guna happen but can still dream rite x

Katie (383 days ago) Report Comment

Hey gilly, could yu please give me advice on getting my fitness to the best of my ability and help me work out a healthy and good eat plan please. Womens football is the best ever :D x

Katie (383 days ago) Report Comment

hey hun its Aimee from school i have been watchin all the yeardot programs i have had to record them as i am at college and i watched yours today i know its late lol.. im just letting you know that you put your point across well hun and i have all my faith in you that you will reach you goals and more.. speak to you soon hun... Aimee mac..xxxxx

Aimee Mccheyne (384 days ago) Report Comment

Wow! was watching yeardot on my exam leave...:/ ha. its SOO much better than Human Biology for sure. I play football too but you are a real inspiration. Its great what your doing for womens footballers out there, you are putting across a point which many people have been trying to get at for years now! I really hope that year dot brings out many new options for you and that you achieve all that you want to achieve.
i hope i reach a level that your at in the future!
thanks, kelsey.x

kelsey (387 days ago) Report Comment

hay,
was watchin tv with my house m8 n caught abit of the program n recognised ur face as i watch a fair few arsenal matches. Just like to say that ur a fab tallented player n r clearly gunna make it to the top fairly soon i would imagin. All the best with ur footy n stuff n luk 4ward 2 watchin u play doncaster l8r this month
kate x

kate (394 days ago) Report Comment

hi good luck with all your games im not a football fan im a young ballet dancer!!

orla (394 days ago) Report Comment

hi, well i think what youre doing is amazing to be honest. im 13 now, born in august. and i play football too. used to play for sheffield wednesday ladies, but just playing for a local team now. my dreams always been to go to america to play footbal, and i heard that they've set up a pro league now so im over the moon! i think womens football is amazing, better than mens. ive played since i was 8. i guess hearing about people like you is an insipration to people like me. the fact tat football is the thing we ave in common. well i hope you acheive all your hopes & dreams. and write back if you can? thankyou.x

Charlotte (394 days ago) Report Comment

hello :) just wanted to say i hope you acheive your goals :D & good luck with everything xx

olivia (394 days ago) Report Comment

Your goals are inspirational the fact that you want to be the best that you can in your field is excellent. womens football is way underrated, good luck, and well for playing for the best team in the world!

Giles (394 days ago) Report Comment

Gilly you have really inspired me by seeing how well your doing has motivated me to want to go further with football as football has been a dream for me for a long while but i never thought i could get anywhere but thanks to you im going to keep trying and working hard so that maybe one day i can live my drean like you.

Nicola (394 days ago) Report Comment

Gilly your an inspiration to us women footballers =] especially young girls. im around about the same age as her and i think its brilliant that Gilly is taking the time and effort to promote the game and to get more people involved =] =] At the moment I play football for 2 different teams and a college team. I had the chance of going to a college with a football academy but i wanted to improve my game more first lol. Im lookin at moving clubs to get somewhere with my football and sometimes I wanna give up but then I see your yeardot videos and that and you motivate me to push myself and work towards my deam. Thank you =] it proves you can get somewhere if you really try hard Gilly your awesome =] =] keep it up your doing well =]
xoxoxox

Anne Marie Taylor (395 days ago) Report Comment

Picture of NicoletteI think what Gilly is doing is amazing! She has great talent and drive for what she does, and i think womens football should be made way more public than it already is. Gilly is doing really well to get the message out there that girls can do it just as well as the boys dispite the stereotype that guys will always be better..so lets stop that stupid old stereotype..go Gilly! :)

Nicolette (402 days ago) Report Comment

I saw you on the telly yhis morning and I think you're great- I wish I could play like you but I still don't get the off side rule!

mona (402 days ago) Report Comment

I see nobody has commented here yet, thank peeps

Gilly Flaherty (402 days ago) Report Comment