Leah Eddie: Leicester defender on Scotland, Ibrox and home

Leicester City and Scotland defender Leah Eddie on walking out at Ibrox, the anthem that gives her goosebumps and moving to England on her own.

Leah Eddie is in her first season away from home, having swapped Scotland for Leicester City. Ahead of Sunday’s East Midlands derby against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground, the defender looks back on walking out at Ibrox, the anthem that gives her goosebumps and the family who’ve followed her every step of the way.

Do you remember your first club coach or grassroots match?

I started playing something called Fun4s when I was about seven and my first coach was Pauline Hamill, who actually ended up being my Scotland Youth coach. She helped me through the early stages.

What was the first match you watched live on TV that made you fall in love with the game?

I think probably a Scotland international game, a women's game at that point where I was looking up to what I would hopefully be doing in the future.

Is there a small moment, like not a big goal or a trophy, that means more to you than people would expect?

I think my first time walking out at Ibrox Stadium – my family are all Rangers fans, so walking out and playing my first professional game stands out.

What is a moment you wish you could go back and experience again for the first time?

Probably making my Scotland debut because I don't really remember that much because I was nervous, so I'd love to relive that moment. If I could do it again I’d probably just try and relax a little bit more because it's just a game of football at the end of the day, just a different environment.

Is there a song that instantly takes you back to a memory and if so, what is it?

I'd probably just say the Scotland national anthem. Anytime you hear that, it's when you're watching a game, but I think it just makes me picture when I'm singing it with the Scotland team. It's a really nice moment to share with the team and the fans in the stadium. The first time I heard it as a player, I didn't expect it to be as loud as what it was, but I think just because everyone's so passionate when they're singing it, it's actually really nice to be part of.

What was the first foreign country you visited?

Oh God. I think it was probably Greece. Yeah, that I can remember anyway.

What is your favourite place you've ever been to?

Thailand. I went there a couple of years ago. I can't really sit at peace, so I love doing all the activities and stuff, so that was really good. We went to nine different islands in the space of three weeks, so it was good to see a full part of Thailand.

What stands out to you about that trip?

It's just a completely different world over there. The culture's so nice, everyone's so nice, and you can just do loads of fun activities the full time you're there. And the food's really good

What is one place next on the list that you want to go to?

I want to go back to Thailand at some point. But I'd say probably Jamaica. My mum and dad have been and they said it's one of the best holidays they’ve ever been on, so I'm going to take their word for it.

Is travelling a big thing for you?

Yeah, I love visiting different countries and trying out new foods in different countries.

Who is actually the first person you call when you have big life events?

My mum. I always phone my mum and my dad if they're together, but my mum would probably be the first person that I phone. I don't know, I automatically just click my mum's name.

Who has influenced your life the most?

Probably my mum and dad, just with the amount of travel and stuff I had to do with football when I was younger and my dad working away and my mum travelling with me and my brother and sister, taking us to different clubs. It probably wouldn't have been doable if they didn't put in the time and effort that they did.

What would you say is the kindest thing someone has ever done for you?

I love the small things. If someone remembers something or small details about me or remembers what I love, just small gestures. If someone surprised me with a holiday, I mean, I would love it, but it's never going to be the most thoughtful thing. I try to think of one thing. I can't really remember just one thing, but just small things that people remember and do for me. just remembering my favourite snacks or whatever, and they come in and they're like, ‘oh, I remembered that you loved this’.

Who makes you laugh the hardest?

My sister. She's funny. This is my first season away from home, so the family came down for the first game, but my sister and her partner come to all my games with my mum and dad. She's supported me through everything and has a new baby, so he's been here as well.

Which place feels most like home outside of your own?

Just my mum and dad's house, probably, because I stay at mine when I'm back at home, so I always go to my mum and dad's. My sister's always there. My nephew's always there, so that's kind of like the meeting point for everyone.

What is the biggest risk you've ever taken?

Moving to England on my own without family. I wouldn't say it's a risk, but also it's the first time I've been away from home and for doing something that I love, so it's probably the biggest chapter in my life so far.

And has it worked out so far?

Yeah, it's been really good. The girls are really nice, the staff are really nice, and everyone's getting on really well.

Is there anything you guys like to do as a team outside of the pitch together?

We’ve had a team barbecue, been for coffee, been for some brunches and stuff. We went to Liverpool for a weekend too.

Have you ever had a moment that completely changed your perspective on life?

Probably just when a family member got unwell and I had a game that weekend, and it just put into perspective for me that things aren't really forever and you just need to cherish every moment that you've got. You never know when it'll be the last.

What is the best piece of advice you've ever been given?

Probably that everything happens for a reason.You'll never really know what that reason is straight away, but there'll always be a reason for everything.

And what is something you wish you'd known when you were younger?

Just that when you're playing football, everyone's in the same boat, so just try and relax and enjoy it, because everyone's been in your position at one point.

What is something you've changed your mind about over the years?

Probably about how much I care about what people think about me. Now I'm just kind of more relaxed and people will think what they want, so just be yourself.

What is something people often get wrong about you?

I think I'm quite shy and quiet to start with, but once I know people and I've got my group then they'll see the real side of me. I'm really shy until I get to know people.

What makes you feel the happiest away from football?

Just being with my family, spending time with them as much as I can. Probably this season I won't get to see them as much, but when I do, that'll probably be my favourite time.

What is one thing you still want to experience that excites you about the future?

I want to get to a major tournament with my national team, so I'd love to experience that and play as much of a part of that as I can.