Cecilia Way: New chapter and historic goal

The goal scored by new arrival Cecilia Way in the first round of the DFB-Pokal on Sunday afternoon away at 1. FFV Erfurt was of key historical significance. Not only was this due to it being the only goal of the day that secured FSV’s progression into the second round of the DFB-Pokal where FSV will take on TSV Jahn Calden between 9th and 11th September, it was also significant as it was the first goal scored in a competitive game by a 1. FSV Mainz 05 women’s team in approximately 50 years. 

The first celebration

“I didn’t really think about the significance of the goal whilst on the pitch”, Way admits, who moved to FSV from Canada in the summer. She was focused on winning the game and securing the team’s progression into the next round. She only became aware of the importance of the goal she scored on Sunday afternoon in Erfurt in the aftermath of the game. “That’s pretty cool. A little bit surreal when you bear in mind that this was the first goal for this team”, the forward explains.

The goal – and the subsequent progression into the next round – were celebrated with a ‘Humba’ led by the Canadian after the full-time whistle. Way was supported by assistant coach Alexander Ulbrich, who whispered the words of Mainz’s carnival song into her ear. “I had a lot of fun”, Way recalls, also highlighting the great support of the travelling FSV fans. “They were unbelievable and loud throughout the whole game.”

Exciting next task

Way says that reaching the second round is exciting and something to be proud of. The attacker, who followed the draw for the second round on Tuesday evening and is already looking forward to the upcoming clash with third-division side TSV Jahn Calden, explains that being able to play in the DFB-Pokal as a foreign player is something special. “I was excited and think that it will be a good game between two good teams”, said Way.

Way describes the style of play in Germany in comparison to ‘Soccer’ at her university in Canada as being somewhat less direct and physical. There is more of a focus on combination play as well as other technical elements. “It helps with improving my technical qualities”, Way says, who always saw football as a way to make friends and play sport within a team environment. “As a result, I got started and just simply carried on playing. I love the competition, it drives you on”, the forward explains. The passion for football that is deeply engrained within German culture was one of the reasons for her move. “It’s very inspiring.”

Get to know: Cecilia Way

Quickly convinced by FSV

Conversations with Nadine Kreß, the sporting director of the Zerofivers’ women’s team, were particularly important in convincing the Canadian to join Mainz 05. The appeal of the newly founded team was also a factor. “That is aside from the fact that my teammates are absolutely great”, Way raved about her new team. 

The Canadian was in Mainz for the first time last January in order to get to know the team and to show off her ability. She stayed in contact with the club from then on. In April, the 22-year-old completed her Bachelor’s degree in Ontario, subsequently spent time with her family, where she prepared for the new season, before coming to the Rheinhessen region in July. “A new chapter in my life has now begun, which has got off to a sensational start”, the 22-year-old says.

Role model on and off the pitch

Last season Way led the Queen’s University Women’s Soccer Team as captain. “I would generally describe myself as a leader on the pitch, whether that’s through communication or my performance. I try to be the best player that I can be at every moment”, the attacker comments. Admittedly, it’s currently not yet always possible to act like a role model as an English-speaking player, but she explains that she can however give everything on the pitch, praising her teammates at the same time. “We have outstanding leaders who lead the team to success”, says Way.

The 22-year-old is also busy outside of football as she was active within numerous charitable organisations in Canada. She acted as a youth coordinator at the Special Olympics and recently helped disadvantaged children with diverse activities related to sport. “I am of the opinion that sport, which has brought so much joy in my life and those of many others, should be accessible to everyone, independent of age, gender or anything else”, reflects Way, who previously played in the second division in France for five months at the age of 16.

Formative experience in France

Living away from family in Europe at an early age was helpful. Not only did this experience make the move to Germany easier for her, but she also benefitted mentally from her approximately half a year stay at Thonon Évian Grand Genève Football Club. “As for football, it showed me what it’s like to play at the professional level and how expectations differ from those at university. I learnt a lot that has helped me to continue progressing as a footballer”, says Way about a “good, but intense experience” in France.

Living in a shared flat helps on arrival

The 22-year-old born in Victoria, British Columbia has already settled down well in her new home town in the Rheinhessen region, even though moving into her new flat and sorting out various bureaucratic commitments took up a lot of time in the first few weeks. She was supported by the team, as she says, and lives together with the Zerofivers’ Austrian goalkeeper Sophie Lindner in a shared flat. “She is very helpful with a lot of processes”, Way rejoices.

The Austrian is also able to help her with learning German. “I have lessons and she helps too, but it is a slow process. It is also a difficult language”, the Canadian laughs. We’ve already explored the region a little during our free time, have had a coffee here and there and have tried one or two specialities from the Rheinhessen region.” Way knows that there is still a lot to discover, and the teammates should have plenty of time for that in the future.