Lincoln footballer takes to international stage
A Lincoln footballer was in goal for Wales as the side was given a bruising reminder of the standard of international soccer when made its debut at the Euros.
Olivia Clark and her team-mates have promised to come back fighting after losing 3-0 to former champions the Netherlands in Switzerland on Saturday.
The 23-year-old is a former pupil of Sir Francis Hill Primary and LSST Secondary School, and the granddaughter of one of the city council's former Chief Executives, John Thomas, will take to the pitch as goalkeeper for the Welsh Women’s National Team.
Olivia first laced up her boots at just seven years old with Greenbank Juniors, before progressing to Lincoln City F.C.’s Centre of Excellence. From there she has gone on to play for Coventry United, Bristol City and FC Twente in the Netherlands before moving to her current club, Leicester City WFC.
Olivia spent many years as a Lincoln City F.C. season ticket holder in the Co-op Stand and still remembers cheering on the Imps each weekend. Prior to signing her first professional contract in 2019, she completed a degree in Business Studies at the University of Sheffield.
The Euros are the first time a Welsh women’s side have competed at major tournament and team-mate Lily Woodham told BBC Sport their performance had been shaky, but they would come back fighting for their next match.
In the group stage Wales will also face England and France – the latter beating the current champions 2-1. Olivia believes Spain, Germany and England are the teams to beat and she’s ready to rise to the challenge.
Her Welsh heritage comes from her grandfather, John Thomas, who was born and raised in Wales. He served as City of Lincoln Council’s Chief Executive from 1981 to 1994. All his life he was a passionate Swansea City fan and remained a proud Welshman until he sadly passed away in 2017.
Olivia said: “I’m incredibly proud to come from Lincoln, my parents still live in the city, and I always feel a huge sense of happiness whenever I return.
“Because Lincoln is a smaller city, it doesn’t always have the same opportunities for women’s football as bigger cities. You have to work harder to get what you want, but that just makes you more appreciative of everything you achieve.
“Women’s football has come such a long way. A few years ago, we were still competing for the same facilities that our male counterparts had access to. Now, women’s teams are finally benefiting too. We’re getting better infrastructure, support and resources, and it’s making a real difference.”
Cllr Naomi Tweddle, Leader of City of Lincoln Council, added: "We wish Olivia all the very best for the Women’s Euro 2025 tournament.
“It’s fantastic to see a local woman performing at such a high international level. She’s a brilliant role model for young people in Lincoln. The city council is incredibly proud that John’s granddaughter has gone on to obtain such an important position so soon in her career.
“We’re all behind her and wish her the best of luck - just maybe not too much luck when Wales play against England!"
Olivia in action. Picture: Ashley Crowden Photography
Olivia’s grandfather former city council chief executive John Thomas. Picture: Lincoln's Historic Guildhall Archives
