Sunderland star mixes fashion and footie

May 31 2009 by Mieka Smiles, Sunday Sun

WHILE her friends were playing with dolls a five-year-old Stephanie Bannon was busy honing her football skills with the boys. Fast forward 15 years and it’s clear to see that her dedication to the sport has paid off. MIEKA SMILES chats to the 20-year-old Sunderland skipper about her life on and off the pitch.

“But none of the girls are in it for money - in fact we have to pay to play.

“We just do it because we enjoy it.”

Although the team aren’t paid it doesn’t give them scope to be any less dedicated, training twice a week and playing on a Sunday throughout the season.

“It is hard work and it takes a lot of time and effort,” says Stephanie.

“There are also a lot of sleepless nights.

“After Friday that’s it for me alcohol wise - Monday and Wednesday are my main nights out.

“It can be a bit restricting but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

America is a big draw to the UK’s top female players due to the popularity of the sport across the pond.

But, as Stephanie explains, she hasn’t got her sights set on the States: “Women’s football in America is massive; it’s one of the most popular sports over there and they get paid for it.

“I would love to say that I would go but unfortunately I’m a home bird and for that reason, and that reason only, I’m sure I would never go.

“We can only hope that it grows and grows in this country.”

Stephanie is the first to admit that being into fashion and beauty is rare for a top female football player.

“Up until the age of about nine I think a lot of people would have called me a tomboy but now I’m probably one of the girliest girls on the team,” says Stephanie.

“I’m quite into fashion – certainly more than most of the women footballers.”

As with most footballers Stephanie dreams of an England call up but admits that without one, for now at least, she is quite content with flying the flag for her team: “I have never been called up for England but it would be a dream come true if I ever was.

“For me personally it would be a massive deal - I would grab it with two hands.

“But at the moment I’m just happy playing for Sunderland.”

STEPHANIE on Sunderland men’s team staying up: “Obviously relief was the main thing.

“Being at the game I was a bit nervous, especially going a few goals down.

“I am even more pleased that Newcastle have gone down.

On her footballing heroes: “For me personally it’s Rio Ferdinand. That’s who I look up to. His brother Anton plays for the Sunderland men’s team and I like the way he plays. They both give everything they have got to the game.”

ON televised football: “I’ll always look for the Sunderland score but in terms of watching football on the television I’d rather be watching The Bill!

“But give me a football to actually play with and I’ll do it any second of the day.”