Aimee Cottingham anchors defensive unit for Great Britain at IFAF Worlds

With Great Britain rising in the ranks of international female football, a plethora of new faces ensures that the future holds the potential to be highly prosperous. Among the talented competitors making their debut in Vancouver, British Columbia at the 2017 IFAF Women’s World Championships included Aimee Cottingham.

Fascinated with the sport since a young age, Cottingham debuted with her club team, the Birmingham Lions in February 2014. Since then, the accolades and honours have accumulated quickly as her natural talent paid dividends right away, leading the Lions in sacks as a rookie.

Bestowed the honour of the team’s Defensive Player of the Year Award in 2016, she was also the 2016 Scrimmage Cup MVP. Recognized as a team captain for Great Britain in a 2014 friendly vs Sweden, she would also compete for the national team at the 2015 European women’s championships, emerging with a silver medal.

The chance to grace the gridiron and actually compete in the game has only added a much more profound connection for Cottingham. Wearing number 64 on the defensive line, getting the opportunity to wear her national team’s journey was a validation of the sweat and sacrifice that resulted in making this dream come true.

Reflecting on the honour, Cottingham experienced a series of emotions, ranging from national pride and restlessness, to being keenly prepared for this newest chapter in her athletic odyssey. Although there was a personal sense of obligation to provide her peak performance, Cottingham also remained focus on her potential impact as a role model.

Working towards providing a young generation of female footballers with the inspiration to follow their own gridiron dreams, Cottingham understood the sense of responsibility in donning Great Britain’s colors.

“I have been involved in sport consistently from a young age but never at international level. So putting the jersey on for the first time was a massive privilege. It was also scary as it comes with an added element of pressure, wearing the GB jersey means that you have a duty to leave it all out there on the field.

Women’s football in the UK is growing very quickly so there are a lot of girls out there who would love that opportunity so you have to work hard for them.”

Throughout the Women’s Worlds, the British contingent played valiantly. Competing against host country Canada, a victory would have assured a spot in the gold medal game. In spite of a hard fought loss, there was still an opportunity for a podium finish.

Competing against Mexico in the bronze medal game, who were making their debut in the IFAF Worlds, it was a tremendous indication of how far the British team had arrived in such a short time. For a player such as Cottingham, making her IFAF debut, the chance to play for a medal represented a tremendously exciting milestone. Although the bronze eluded a very hardworking and determined British roster, Cottingham’s reflections on the experience not only display an admirable maturity, signs of strong leadership, but the essence of sportsmanship.

“It meant everything! Our programme is still in its infancy too, so to be fighting for a medal in our first world championships is something to be very proud of. It demonstrates just how good our programme is and makes all the hard work put in by staff and players worthwhile. It was a great game and I would like to congratulate Mexico on getting the win, but I cannot wait for a rematch in the future!”

Among the competing nations that opposed Great Britain at the IFAF Worlds, each provided an invaluable learning experience. Perhaps none was as impactful as the two-time defending bronze medalist squad from Finland. With Cottingham making her IFAF debut against Finland, the opening match of the IFAF Worlds for Great Britain, the match was an ideal indicator of whether this collection of gridiron talent would prove to be competitive. Gaining 1.5 quarterback sacks in the contest, it only added luster to such a notable milestone.

Cottingham reveals how the British defense displayed tremendous heart, especially in the game’s closing minutes. With the balance of the final outcome still in doubt, as the Finns were looking to erase the British lead, there was a pair of offensive drives remaining. Undoubtedly, such a scenario was a baptism of fire for the British defense, a moment that could certainly define the entire tournament.

Finding inspiration in the confidence of one of her fellow linemates, it was the catalyst that allowed Cottingham to make one of the game’s biggest tackles, rising to the occasion as a prime time player, providing her with a moment that shall stand as a proud pillar of achievement. There was also a sense of redemption for the British, as they had been vanquished by Finland in the last European women’s football championship.

”My favourite moment has to be the last two defensive drives against Finland. If we let them in, there was a high chance they would have won the game. I just remember looking at my team mate Monica Lewinska (Defensive Tackle) and saying ‘we got this’ on the last drive.

She managed to take care of three offensive linemen, which meant I was free to make the tackle on the Running Back. We are a very strong Defensive Line but our strength comes from the fact that we are a tight unit and at the crucial moment that was integral in helping us get the win.”

As the competitive gap in female football continues to close, wondrous women such as Cottingham are leading the way for an exciting generation. As the chance to play for the bronze represented a concrete moment for Cottingham, the city of Vancouver, British Columbia shall certainly hold a treasured place in her heart.

“I was amazed at what a beautiful place it is, the landscape is very impressive! However for me, the best part about Vancouver was the people. They were very friendly and welcoming, particularly our coach driver who was kind enough to tell us about his experiences of being in the Royal Canadian Mounted Police! I would love to visit Vancouver again one day!”

“All quotes obtained first hand unless otherwise indicated”

Photo credits: Diz Ruptive Photography