Anita Asanti

Anita Asante is settling into the Sky Blue franchise by having already taken a few training sessions with the NJ/NY club. Coach Sawyer is looking for her to lead the defence along with US WNT captain & likely Sky Blue captain Christie Rampone.
Here is an interview she gave to the Sky Blue blog.

Getting to Know Anita Asante

What American doesn't love an English accent, and such clever turns of phrase ("We're all finding our feet", a literal football (soccer, to us) and figurative reference). That's my gut on first, albeit brief, conversation with Anita. But what struck me especially is her last comment in the interview. I want you, our fans, to read and remember it. I know I will.

So, what took you so long to arrive?
I was away with the England National Team at the Cyprus Cup. I flew in after the tournament (meeting up with Sky Blue FC at the Washington Freedom game). Our team was preparing for the European Championships in the summer.

You had a good tournament?
We had France in our group, whom we met before and they had qualified for the World Cup. We played South Africa for the first time ever, and Canada in final. For us to win this tournament was a major step for our team, and showed how far we came in last couple of months.

How did you come to play the game?
I started as a kid back home. Typically, the area I grew up in, Edgeware Town in Northwest London, had kids all over playing football, so it was easy to pick up. I suppose also partly because my dad is a massive football fan. He supports Arsenal. My uncle was a massive Liverpool fan. I ended up supporting Liverpool, much to the upset of my dad. I went on to play for Arsenal (Ladies) for ten years, and for the last year, with Chelsea.

Any playing history in the U.S.?
I've never really been out here and played, except once at the San Diego Surf Cup with Arsenal.

How do you find Sky Blue FC in this early stage?
I think we have a very solid defensive unit, and we are quick up front. We are all finding our feet and getting to know each other. There is good team spirit and everyone interacting and interested in each other, and our different backgrounds. This is translating onto the field as well, providing good communication, so we can get the best out of each other.

How do your family and friends feel about you coming here?
Most of my friends are really pleased. They've been pushing me to do something like this for a long time. And for them it's a trip, a chance to come visit. Mom and dad have always supported me, and can't wait to come out and watch.

Anything you want to add?
I want as many people to come watch as possible. It's going to be an exciting league. This team has so much to show. In England, the fans come to home games, and catch up with away games. Wherever we go, we know our fans are there in spirit. Fans make the 12th player on the team.

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