Meet the UK's top female footballers
Footie reigns as the number one sport for women but do you know the star attractions? iVillage introduces you to football's top four players:
Faye White - Arsenal Ladies Faye White
Eniola Aluko - Charlton Athletic
Rachel Brown - Everton Ladies
Katie Chapman - Fulham Ladies
Age: 25
Club: Arsenal Ladies
Position: Central defender
Height: 5ft 11ins
Where did you learn to play football?
At school, I would be the first one out there to join in with the boys. My mum used to get so annoyed, as I'd come home with rips in my school skirt after trying to run around or tackle in it.
How do the boys react when they see you playing football?
Most of my friends and biggest supporters are guys. I believe they think it's really cool they can talk football with a girl who cares and knows just as much as they do.
If you could achieve just one thing in football, what would you do?
Use my experiences and position as a role model to encourage more girls into the game, and to show them that they, too, can get involved and one day have the chance to play the game professionally.
What are your favourite three items of clothing and first ever CD?
My favourite items are: denim jacket, combat trousers and trainers. I'm ashamed to admit it, but I think my first CD was New Kids On The Block.
What car do you drive?
An Audi A3 Sport.
What do you think about England hosting the 2005 European Championships?
I think it's great, as it will be a brilliant opportunity to help develop and boost the game further in this country.
Eniola Aluko
Age: 16
Club: Charlton Athletic
Position: Forward
Height: 5ft 2ins
Favourite footballer?
At the moment, it's Wayne Rooney because I can relate to him. I've also met Nwankou Kanu and JJ Okocha.
The achievement you most desire?
I'd love to win the World Cup with England - either with the under 19s or seniors.
Advice to would-be female footballers? Don't listen to all the boys who tell you girls can't play - just keep playing football and believe in your ability.
Celebrity you'd most like to go on a date with?
Justin Timberlake
Favourite designer?
Diesel
Best game you've ever played?
England vs Italy in the Euros, because we played really well and qualified for the semi-finals.
Your words of wisdom on the women's game?
While women's football is slower than the men's game, the quality is on a par.
Rachel Brown
Age: 23
Club: Everton Ladies FC
Position: Goalkeeper
Height: 5ft 8ins
Can you explain what your debut for England was like?
It was so nerve-wracking. I was only 16. Not only were we playing against Germany, but also at a football ground near my house!
What fashion/beauty item can you not get through the week without?
Straighteners and waterproof mascara.
What would you say to encourage people to watch women's football?
I've not heard of anyone who has come to any of our games and not thoroughly enjoyed it - come and watch the ladies play and you will love it, whatever the reason.
Which celebrity would you most like to go on a date with?
Either Freddie Lundberg, Paul Robinson or Robbie Williams.
What are your favourite three items of clothing?
All my shoes.
Who is your favourite designer?
Donna Karan
What country would you most like to visit?
Thailand
Katie Chapman
Age: 21
Club: Fulham Ladies
Position: Midfield
Height: 5ft 7ins
Where did you learn to play football?
Watching Millwall and playing in the playground with the boys.
How do the boys react when they see you playing football?
It's a lot better now because so many girls are playing, but you still get the odd few that say women can't play football.
Which men's team do you support?
Millwall
Jobs outside of football?
Looking after my little boy Harvey. I love the fact that as he gets into the game, he'll have a mum who's pulled on the England captain's armband - just like David Beckham and Michael Owen.
What fashion/beauty item can you not get through the week without?
My brush and straighteners.
What is your favourite food?
Traditional pie, mash and liquor.
What's the best match you've played in for England?
It was against Holland - we won, and I managed to score my first goal for my country.
How do you think we'll do in the 2005 European Championships?
I think we will do really well. We have a lot of time to work together as a team and everything is going well. Just as importantly, though, it is going to be such a great way to promote the women's game, and England women footballers as a whole, in this country.