New Start | New Start's First International Footballer
This year saw the launch of the #whatif campaign by Women in Football
A network of professional women in and around the football industry who aim to encourage people and organisations to make changes that can help to empower women and girls.
Women’s football in the UK has recently seen growth and promotion in both domestic league games and international fixtures which has helped to put women’s football in the public eye like never before. Manchester United have established their first women’s team and the Women’s Super League (WSL) is attracting players who normally would play in the United States WSFL. This week also saw VISA sign a seven-year deal with UEFA to sponsor women’s football.
There are former players like Alice Scott & Karen Carney who are becoming household names through their work as players pundits and coaches. However, Wubalem Tsegaye is a name you probably don’t instantly recognise.
WHO IS WUBALEM TSEGAYE?
Wubalem left Ethiopia in January 2018 with the intention of seeking asylum in Europe. Ethiopia has long been a war-torn region most notably it’s conflict with neighbouring Eritrea. That conflict which has killed an estimated 80,000 people, and continued until July this year, when Eritrea and Ethiopia declared that their "state of war" was over.
Wubalem was one of the lucky people who managed to escape and was able to fly directly to the UK. She never had to face the humiliation of a potentially deadly boat ride followed by near-endless marching to get to a continent to find it was closing its borders.
Like all asylum seekers Wubalem lived in NASS accommodation while she waited on a decision from the Home Office. Through this period asylum seekers are placed in temporary accommodation and wait for their faith to be decided. In September 2018 Wubalem finally got the news she was waiting for, she was granted leave to remain!
THE INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALLER
While living at NASS accommodation Wubalem pursued her passion for football and signed for Liverpool Feds W.F.C who compete in the FA Women’s National League (4 Tiers under the WSL). Wubalem currently plying her trade for the reserves is an accomplished full back who has been capped 8 times at International level by Ethiopia.
Wubalem joined Ethiopian Champions Dedebit FC.as a teenager and played at various age levels before making her senior debut. Following an impressive start to her career at Dedebit FC, Wubalem received her first International call-up aged 18. The highlight of Wubalem’s career is competing in the 2014 African Women’s Championships Qualifiers.
Liverpool Feds W.F.C reserves are currently sitting 3rd in NWWRFL Division 1 South with Wubalem playing an integral role in the team.
The fullback who was once inspired by Rio Ferdinand now realises that as an Honorary Scouser her allegiances must lay with Liverpool and her favourite player is now Mohammed Salah.
WHAT NEXT?
Returning to Ethiopia is not an option which means Wubalem has played her last match for her country. Wubalem who also holds a Degree in Social Work and Community Development and FA Level 1 Disabled Coach Licence. She hopes to continue to pursue her football career in the UK and play at the highest level possible and eventually move into coaching.
For more information or Liverpool Feds Women's Football Club fixtures:
