May 15, 2024 12:49pm
The Portsmouth Academy community has been inspired by a teacher who continues to have sporting success representing Great Britain in American football.
Miss Currie, a PE teacher and Head of Year 8 at The Portsmouth Academy, recently competed in an American Football European Championships game in Spain.
She said that being selected to represent her nation in the 45-strong squad was full of excitement and nerves.
Miss Currie said: “I was selected for the final 45-man squad for the trip for the European Championship game against Spain. I was feeling primarily excited ahead of the game, with definitely some nerves having not played any sport at an international level before, so that was full of emotions.
"But it was exciting nonetheless to go out and represent your country, hear the anthem, and do all those things with 45 other likeminded teammates who just want to work together and succeed.”
American football is on the rise within the UK, with the NFL expanding into the UK with games in London, which are recognised to play a part in the developing fanbase within the country.
Miss Currie said: “It has been amazing to get to this moment. My dad used to play American football for the Glasgow Lions, and I’ve seen him officiate for American football games, so I guess that played a part in inspiring me to play myself.
“I had to attend various trial camps to get to where I am today, which were hard work but incredibly rewarding, and now I have some amazing opportunities. My local club nominated me to represent the country in the games, a massive achievement in itself, and I never expected to reach this moment."
Speaking about the support she has received; Miss Currie says her family and friends have been amazing encouragement, and she couldn’t thank The Portsmouth Academy community enough.
She said: “I can’t thank the staff at The Portsmouth Academy enough for their support. There were quite a lot of contributions to help me on the CrowdFunding page, which I’m very appreciative of.
“We have a great staff body here who are all invested in each other, as well as what we do on a day-to-day basis with our students, so I have been hugely encouraged.”
Pupils from The Bridge held a 'Bake Off' and sold their cakes to raise money for Miss Currie, too.
Speaking about embracing opportunities and striving to achieve your aspirations, Miss Currie said, “I always played football or soccer, and to have the opportunity to represent my country in another sport never came to mind.
“My attitude [at the beginning] was that I was going to go and represent my country in football, and if that didn’t happen for me, it was then all over. I unexpectedly discovered a different sport, American football, which led to my current position. My message to students would be, there are opportunities out there in all industries, and never say no to an opportunity.”
