Rachel Furness
Encyclopedia
Rachel Furness is an English
-born Northern Irish
footballer who currently plays for Sunderland Women and the Northern Ireland national team
. A left-sided attacking player, she plays as a winger or striker. Furness' manager at Sunderland, Mick Mulhern, described her as "a strong and determined player."
striker Aran Embleton
.
to study sports development and fitness. She began playing for the women's football academy at the college and Sunderland. Jill Scott
was a team-mate in both sides.
In 2006 Furness moved to Northumbria University
to study sports development with coaching, and swapped Sunderland for Newcastle United. However, she had by then suffered a serious knee injury, which required two operations and the removal of most of the cartilage. Doctors advised Furness to stop playing football but she nevertheless resumed playing for Newcastle United.
In December 2009, Furness scored one and made the other for Mel Reay, as Newcastle drew 2–2 at OOH Lincoln Ladies in the FA Women's Cup
—only to miss her penalty in the shootout
defeat.
Furness spent the 2010 summer season in Iceland
with Grindavik
, then rejoined Sunderland – making her second debut for the club in a 4–0 Premier League Cup win over Newcastle in October 2010. After helping Sunderland win the Premier League
title, Furness joined FA WSL club Lincoln Ladies on loan. She made a quick debut in Lincoln's 1–0 home defeat to Chelsea
in May, the last game before the WSL mid–season break. She returned to parent club Sunderland before the WSL re–started in July.
because she was not attached to a club with a centre of excellence or academy. Furness then accepted a call-up from Northern Ireland
, and represented them in an U17 tournament in Spring 2004. Although born and raised in Tyne and Wear
, Furness was eligible for Northern Ireland as her mother was born in Belfast
.
After representing her adopted homeland at U17 and U19 level, Furness progressed to the senior international team. In November 2005 she scored against Slovakia
, in Northern Ireland's first competitive home match for 20 years. Following a two-year absence from the national team caused by injury, Furness returned in time for the 2011 World Cup Qualifying
campaign.
She contributed four goals, including a hat-trick against Croatia
, as Northern Ireland ultimately finished third in their group behind France
and Finland
. In November 2011 Furness scored in Northern Ireland's shock 3–1 Euro 2013 qualifying
win over former World and Olympic champions Norway
.
Furness also represented Irish Universities at the World University Games
, playing in the 2009 tournament in Belgrade
. Two years later she was named in the Great Britain Universities squad for the event in Shenzhen
.
English people
The English are a nation and ethnic group native to England, who speak English. The English identity is of early mediaeval origin, when they were known in Old English as the Anglecynn. England is now a country of the United Kingdom, and the majority of English people in England are British Citizens...
-born Northern Irish
Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland is one of the four countries of the United Kingdom. Situated in the north-east of the island of Ireland, it shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west...
footballer who currently plays for Sunderland Women and the Northern Ireland national team
Northern Ireland women's national football team
The Northern Ireland women's national football team represents Northern Ireland in international women's football.-World Cup record:-Current squad:Northern Ireland squad for 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers versus France on 27 and 31 March 2010...
. A left-sided attacking player, she plays as a winger or striker. Furness' manager at Sunderland, Mick Mulhern, described her as "a strong and determined player."
Early career
Furness attended Usworth Comprehensive School and represented Durham at County level. By season 2002–2003 she was already playing for Chester-le-Street Ladies, alongside several other youngsters and former EnglandEngland women's national football team
The England women's national football team represents England in international women's football. The side has been quite successful of late, qualifying for three World Cups, 1995, 2007 and 2011...
striker Aran Embleton
Aran Embleton
Aran Embleton is an English female international footballer. She signed for North Shields Ladies in February 2011, having previously played in midfield or attack for Sunderland Women and Doncaster Belles.-Club career:...
.
Senior career
In 2004 Furness moved to Gateshead CollegeGateshead College
Gateshead College is a further education college in the town of Gateshead, England. Established on November 15, 1955 at Durham Road in Low Fell, Gateshead, the original campus was closed as part of a planned move in January 2008. The college moved into a £39 million new main site located at the...
to study sports development and fitness. She began playing for the women's football academy at the college and Sunderland. Jill Scott
Jill Scott (footballer)
Jill Louise Scott is an English female footballer. She is a central midfielder, currently playing for Everton and England women...
was a team-mate in both sides.
In 2006 Furness moved to Northumbria University
Northumbria University
Northumbria University is an academic institution located in Newcastle upon Tyne in the North East of England. It is a member of the University Alliance.- History :...
to study sports development with coaching, and swapped Sunderland for Newcastle United. However, she had by then suffered a serious knee injury, which required two operations and the removal of most of the cartilage. Doctors advised Furness to stop playing football but she nevertheless resumed playing for Newcastle United.
In December 2009, Furness scored one and made the other for Mel Reay, as Newcastle drew 2–2 at OOH Lincoln Ladies in the FA Women's Cup
FA Women's Cup
The Football Association Women’s Challenge Cup Competition, commonly referred to as the FA Women's Cup, is the top cup competition for women's football clubs in England – designed as an exact equivalent to the FA Cup created 99 years earlier...
—only to miss her penalty in the shootout
Penalty shootout
The shootout is a method of determining a winner in sports matches that would have otherwise been drawn or tied. The rules for penalty shootouts vary between sports and even different competitions; however, the usual form is similar to penalty shots in that a single player takes one shot on goal...
defeat.
Furness spent the 2010 summer season in Iceland
Iceland
Iceland , described as the Republic of Iceland, is a Nordic and European island country in the North Atlantic Ocean, on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Iceland also refers to the main island of the country, which contains almost all the population and almost all the land area. The country has a population...
with Grindavik
Knattspyrnudeild UMFG
Knattspyrnudeild UMFG, commonly known as Grindavík, is the football subdivision of the Ungmennafélag Grindavíkur athletic club located in the town of Grindavík in south-west Iceland.-History:...
, then rejoined Sunderland – making her second debut for the club in a 4–0 Premier League Cup win over Newcastle in October 2010. After helping Sunderland win the Premier League
FA Women's Premier League National Division
The FA Women's Premier League National Division is the second level of the English women's football league pyramid. From 1991 until the introduction of the summer competition FA Women's Super League the National Division functioned as the top league in England. Below it are simultaneously the...
title, Furness joined FA WSL club Lincoln Ladies on loan. She made a quick debut in Lincoln's 1–0 home defeat to Chelsea
Chelsea L.F.C.
Chelsea Ladies Football Club are a semi-professional English women's football club affiliated with Chelsea F.C.. They have competed in the top tier of women's football in England, the Premier League National Division, since 2005...
in May, the last game before the WSL mid–season break. She returned to parent club Sunderland before the WSL re–started in July.
International career
Chester-le-Street director of coaching Bill Godward alerted the English FA to Furness' potential at an early stage. However, she was overlooked by EnglandEngland women's national football team
The England women's national football team represents England in international women's football. The side has been quite successful of late, qualifying for three World Cups, 1995, 2007 and 2011...
because she was not attached to a club with a centre of excellence or academy. Furness then accepted a call-up from Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland women's national football team
The Northern Ireland women's national football team represents Northern Ireland in international women's football.-World Cup record:-Current squad:Northern Ireland squad for 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualifiers versus France on 27 and 31 March 2010...
, and represented them in an U17 tournament in Spring 2004. Although born and raised in Tyne and Wear
Tyne and Wear
Tyne and Wear is a metropolitan county in north east England around the mouths of the Rivers Tyne and Wear. It came into existence as a metropolitan county in 1974 after the passage of the Local Government Act 1972...
, Furness was eligible for Northern Ireland as her mother was born in Belfast
Belfast
Belfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
.
After representing her adopted homeland at U17 and U19 level, Furness progressed to the senior international team. In November 2005 she scored against Slovakia
Slovakia women's national football team
Slovakia women's national football team represent Slovakia in international games. Slovakia has never taken part in a major championships.-Czechoslovakia:...
, in Northern Ireland's first competitive home match for 20 years. Following a two-year absence from the national team caused by injury, Furness returned in time for the 2011 World Cup Qualifying
2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification (UEFA)
In the UEFA qualification for 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, 41 entrants were drawn into eight groups, from which the group winners advanced to a play-off round...
campaign.
She contributed four goals, including a hat-trick against Croatia
Croatia women's national football team
The Croatia women's national football team represents the Republic of Croatia in international football. The team is controlled by the Croatian Football Federation, the governing body for football in the country.-World Cup record:...
, as Northern Ireland ultimately finished third in their group behind France
France women's national football team
The French women's national football team represents France in international women's football. The team is directed by the French Football Federation and competes as a member of UEFA in various international football tournaments such as the FIFA Women's World Cup, UEFA Women's Euro, the Summer...
and Finland
Finland women's national football team
The Finland women's national football team represents Finland in international women's football. The team, controlled by the Football Association of Finland , reached the semi-finals of the 2005 European Championship, surprising the female football world having drawn with Sweden and beaten Denmark...
. In November 2011 Furness scored in Northern Ireland's shock 3–1 Euro 2013 qualifying
UEFA Women's Euro 2013 qualifying – Group 3
The UEFA Women's Euro 2013 qualifying – Group 3 will be contested by six teams compete for one spot for the final tournament.-Standings:-Fixtures:All times are UTC+2.------------------------------------...
win over former World and Olympic champions Norway
Norway women's national football team
The Norway women's national football team represents Norway in international women's football. The team, controlled by the Football Association of Norway, are former European, World and Olympic champions and thus one of the most successful national teams...
.
Furness also represented Irish Universities at the World University Games
2009 Summer Universiade
The 2009 Summer Universiade, officially known as the XXV Summer Universiade were celebrated in Belgrade, Serbia from 1 July to 12 July 2009. The event has also been organised by a range of co-host cities mostly in Vojvodina , close to Belgrade. It was the largest sporting event ever to be organised...
, playing in the 2009 tournament in Belgrade
Belgrade
Belgrade is the capital and largest city of Serbia. It is located at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers, where the Pannonian Plain meets the Balkans. According to official results of Census 2011, the city has a population of 1,639,121. It is one of the 15 largest cities in Europe...
. Two years later she was named in the Great Britain Universities squad for the event in Shenzhen
Shenzhen
Shenzhen is a major city in the south of Southern China's Guangdong Province, situated immediately north of Hong Kong. The area became China's first—and one of the most successful—Special Economic Zones...
.
International goals
- Scores and results list Northern Ireland's goal tally first.
# Date Venue Opponent Result Competition Scored 1 29 October 2005 Football Centre Mogoşoaia, Mogoşoaia MogosoaiaMogoşoaia is a commune in the west of Ilfov County, Romania, composed of a single village, Mogoşoaia.In late 17th century, Constantin Brâncoveanu bought land here, and, between 1698–1702, he built the Mogoşoaia Palace....
2–3 2007 FIFA World Cup Qual. 1 2 10 November 2005 Ballymena Showgrounds Ballymena ShowgroundsThe Ballymena Showgrounds is a football stadium in Ballymena, County Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is home to Ballymena United F.C.. It is owned by Ballymena Borough Council...
, BallymenaBallymenaBallymena is a large town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland and the seat of Ballymena Borough Council. Ballymena had a population of 28,717 people in the 2001 Census....
2–1 2007 FIFA World Cup Qual. 1 3 12 May 2009 Forthbank Stadium Forthbank StadiumForthbank Stadium is a football stadium in Stirling, Scotland. It is the home ground of Stirling Albion. The stadium has a capacity of 3,808. The pitch size is 110 x 74 yards....
, StirlingStirlingStirling is a city and former ancient burgh in Scotland, and is at the heart of the wider Stirling council area. The city is clustered around a large fortress and medieval old-town beside the River Forth...
1–3 Friendly Exhibition gameAn exhibition game is a sporting event in which there is no competitive value of any significant kind to any competitor regardless of the outcome of the competition...
1 4 24 October 2009 Stadion ŠRC Zaprešić, Zaprešić ZaprešicZaprešić is a city in Zagreb County in Croatia. Its population is 25.875 inhabitants for the city proper, and over 51,000 for its seven-municipality metropolitan area. Zaprešić is the third-largest, and most densely populated division of the county. It is located northwest of the Croatian capital...
1–0 2011 FIFA World Cup Qual. 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification (UEFA)In the UEFA qualification for 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, 41 entrants were drawn into eight groups, from which the group winners advanced to a play-off round...
1 7 25 August 2010 The Oval The Oval (Belfast)The Oval is a football stadium in Belfast, Northern Ireland.The stadium has been home to Glentoran since 1892. Before that the team used Ormeau Park from 1882 to 1886. Then the team shifted to King's Field in Ballymacarrett for four years until 1890. The team's next destination was Musgrave Park...
, BelfastBelfastBelfast is the capital of and largest city in Northern Ireland. By population, it is the 14th biggest city in the United Kingdom and second biggest on the island of Ireland . It is the seat of the devolved government and legislative Northern Ireland Assembly...
3–1 2011 FIFA World Cup Qual. 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup qualification (UEFA)In the UEFA qualification for 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup, 41 entrants were drawn into eight groups, from which the group winners advanced to a play-off round...
3 8 7 March 2011 Koinotiko Sotiras, Famagusta Sotira, FamagustaSotira is village located in the Famagusta District of Cyprus, near the town of Famagusta. Sotira is a coastal village with a blue flag Ayia Thekla beach. Sotira is famous for its Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Christian Orthodox churches....
1–3 Cyprus Cup Cyprus CupThe Cypriot Cup or Cyprus Coca Cola Cup is the main cup competition in Cypriot football, run by the Cyprus Football Association. It began in 1934, the same season with the Cypriot Championship. It is the second most important competition for Cypriot club teams. The sponsor of the competition is...
1 9 9 March 2011 Alpha Sports Centre, Larnaca LarnacaLarnaca, is the third largest city on the southern coast of Cyprus after Nicosia and Limassol. It has a population of 72,000 and is the island's second largest commercial port and an important tourist resort...
1–2 Cyprus Cup Cyprus CupThe Cypriot Cup or Cyprus Coca Cola Cup is the main cup competition in Cypriot football, run by the Cyprus Football Association. It began in 1934, the same season with the Cypriot Championship. It is the second most important competition for Cypriot club teams. The sponsor of the competition is...
1 10 19 November 2011 Mourneview Park Mourneview ParkMourneview Park is a football stadium in Lurgan, and is the home ground of Glenavon F.C.. The stadium holds 5,000 and was built in 1895. The 2009 CIS Cup final was held there: the first such final to be held outside Belfast.-External links:**...
, LurganLurganLurgan is a town in County Armagh, Northern Ireland. The town is near the southern shore of Lough Neagh and in the north-eastern corner of the county. Part of the Craigavon Borough Council area, Lurgan is about 18 miles south-west of Belfast and is linked to the city by both the M1 motorway...
3–1 Euro 2013 Qual. UEFA Women's Euro 2013 qualifyingThe Qualifying rounds for the UEFA Women's Euro 2013 will determine which 11 teams join Sweden, the hosts of the 2013 tournament, to play for the UEFA Women's Championship.-Tie breakers:...
1