Women's football legend Toni Duggan spoke to the ECHO in an exclusive interview about this month's Game4Hope at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium
Toni Duggan is taking part in the Game4Hope at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
Toni Duggan is taking part in the Game4Hope at the Hill Dickinson Stadium(Image: Getty Images)
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Toni Duggan remembers feeling embarrassed to be seen in her football kit growing up. Although only 35, the world was a different place when she was a teenager and archaic stereotypes meant it was unusual for a girl to be interested in football.
Toni's love for the game was sparked when she joined Custy's under-8s in the Scotland Road league. The forward could more than hold her own with the boys, but remembers how the stigma around who can play football made it difficult to pursue the game she loved as she got older.
Speaking to the ECHO in an exclusive interview, she said: "There were times when it was horrible. I used to hide that I was in my football kit. I'd run in my house if I was in my football kit in case the lads saw me." She added: "They were all my mates but when you get to 14/15 you become a bit more feminine and want to wear girly clothes, I was so embarrassed that I still played.
"You're getting name-called like a manhead and a tomboy. When you're just a little girl from Liverpool and you don't know anyone else who plays girls football, it's hard because you think you're on your own."
Thankfully, Toni wasn't on her own and she is part of a generation who have fought to change public opinion to prove women have just as much right, and talent, to play football as the men. The Scouser refused to be beaten by the stereotypes - and went on to have an incredible career in the game, as she become an Everton legend and also played on the continent for Atletico Madrid and Barcelona.
She has continued to push boundaries since retirement as she is now holding her own with fellow retired professionals in legends matches. The forward will be getting the boots back on once again later this month for the Game4Hope at the Hill Dickinson Stadium when she will be part of an England side taking on a Rest of the World XI that includes icons like Clarence Seedorf and Cafu.
Clarence Seedorf is taking part in the Game4Hope at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
Clarence Seedorf is taking part in the Game4Hope at the Hill Dickinson Stadium(Image: Getty Images)
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Taking part in the game on September 26 is validation for all those moments when the younger version of herself didn't give up in the face of adversity, as she said: "There were definitely tough moments but it all pays off when you're getting asked for these opportunities."
The upcoming match is not just about representation as the money raised will be in aid of Everton in the Community and homelessness charity Shelter. Toni grew up in Everton and said uniting in the face of adversity is emblematic of the Merseyside spirit of togetherness.
She said: "It's upsetting when you're walking around the city and you're seeing the amount of people that are homeless. Some of them I went to school with and maybe their lives have taken a different path. You just wouldn't believe it. It could happen to anyone. It doesn't matter your background.
"But Liverpool is an incredible city and I know that everyone will come together for this cause because we support our own. And I know that they'll be doing this on September 26. We're quite honest people. We get behind each other. Support each other. Everywhere in the world you go, you see a Scouser. We seem to get everywhere and I don't know how. You can spot them a mile away.
"We have that loving nature. It doesn't matter your background or where you're from." Toni remains deeply connected to her Scouse roots and credits this with giving her the strength to break through the glass ceiling and change expectations around who can play sport.
Toni reached the very top of the women's game as she won many titles in England and abroad. And she did it all while staying true to Scouse glamour as she recalled wearing false eyelashes in Manchester City's 2016 FA Cup triumph.
She laughed: "That's what made me get the assist. Even when I was playing for Everton, and I was young, I would wear false eyelashes but none of the girls would wear false eyelashes. So all the girls were skitting me. I was like, 'I'm on the telly, what do you want me to do?'"
However, since retirement she said she has discovered the men's footballers are even more mindful of their appearance as she laughed: "I asked for makeup for Soccer Aid and [the makeup team] said the lads wanted it more."
Her illustrious career brought many titles in England and abroad, but Toni is most proud of the way she has played a part in the world becoming a more inclusive space for her daughter, Luella, who she welcomed into the world three years ago. She added: "I look it as that I'm setting opportunities for my daughter. She's been at the Soccer Aid games, watched me play for Everton at Anfield.
"Coming back after having the baby and still be able to get out there with the boots on is a really proud moment for me." Toni is now looking forward to flying the flag for women's football later this month, in a game which promises to be an exciting afternoon.
She will be joined by other pioneering women sporting figures such as Tasha Dowie and boxer Molly McCann in the lineup. Other Merseyside football legends such as Leighton Baines and Robbie Fowler are part of the England XI in the game.
Although the game is for a great cause, Toni has lost none of the competitive spirit as she will be hoping to bag a goal like she did in last year's Soccer Aid. But there's one player she may be avoiding as she laughed: "I'll be staying away from Jaap Stam. I don't fancy that. I played against Vidic in Soccer Aid and I just went the opposite side of the pitch."
The Game4Hope charity match takes place at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 26 and will take place to raise money for homelessness. You can find details on how to get tickets on Everton's official ticketing website here