SPECIAL SECTION: NUTRITION & WELLBEING
Courtney Nevin
Position: Defender Teams: Matildas, Leicester City
FOOTBALL AUSTRALIA / MATILDAS. COM. AU
Football has always been a special part of my life. I remember being five years old [ and ] playing for Oakville Ravens. I have great memories of going down to Colbee Park, my local, on the weekend with Dad and Mum and having so much fun playing with the boys.
I love the game for many reasons. It’ s taught me so much in so many ways. Playing is my outlet and escape from the world. I have fun, and I’ m constantly being challenged and learning. The best part is playing with so many amazing women and meeting new people. It’ s so rewarding.
Sport is so important for people of all ages – either as a player or a volunteer. It’ s great for everyone to keep healthy and moving, and it’ s a nice way to get out while enjoying exercise. Sport creates community and brings people into your life you may never have known if not for your involvement.
I’ m really privileged to be able to make the sport I love my full-time job, and I take it very seriously. To stay fit and healthy, I train at least five times a week on the pitch to work on the football and fitness side. Off the pitch, I also do three gym sessions a week. With this much activity, I take particular care with ensuring balanced healthy eating to keep me fuelled throughout the week.
[ For the World Cup,] I’ m training hard everyday and keeping my body healthy. It’ s crucial for me to be in the best shape and form, so I’ ve been playing in one of the best leagues in the world, the English Women’ s Super League [ for Leicester City ]. Here, I get to play some of the best players on the planet, which is great for my development and preparation for the World Cup.
It probably sounds a bit unusual, but before a match I try not to focus too much on it at the start of the day. Being able to relax earlier means that, when it gets closer to kick-off, I can get into my routine to be ready for the match. I’ ll prepare by listening to music and visualising my role on the pitch to get me in the zone. >
Courtney Nevin
COURTNEY SAYS
[ Self-improvement is ] all about being aware of your goals, and good habits are key to a healthy lifestyle. If you’ re able to make better choices and make it a habit, it will help maintain your health.
COSTCO CONNECTION JUL / AUG 2023 | 25