Neil Murphy reacts to Julie Gopal’s break through on the iInternational scene

At the helm of the LFCIA Mauritius since its inception in 2019, Neil Murphy is full of praises for Julie Gopal, the academy’s finest female player and an inspiration to all players of the academy. Here are some questions and answers with the Head Coach, a true scouser of Liverpool in England.

Q. How do you feel about this massive achievement of Julie?

A. Julie fully deserves this opportunity as she is a role model for all other players that we have on the island. Her self proclaimed warrior mentality has always given her a competitive drive and edge on the other players, and it is her vocation to have a career in football as a professional player. She is unique; she is fully committed and focused to achieve her goals and never misses a training session and would play football 24/7. She is an obvious talent on the football pitch, but its her attitude which will help her push for higher success. There are many talented footballers on this island, but talent only gets you so far in this environment. Julie has the work rate and desire to match.

Q. How did the LFCIA support Julie for this opportunity in France?

Obviously Julie was playing football before LFCIA arrived on the island and all her previous coaches have done a great job. She has excelled since joining the LFCIA and the LFC Way environment has really suited her and she has a great rapport with Martine Kelly (coach) and all her other team members.

For a long time we have been exploring options of how to help Julie grow and develop as a player. I was delighted when the Brest FC and then Guingamp FC trials became reality.

During her trials, Julie was away from her family and friends and we were in constant contact with her to motivate, guide and support her in this once-a-lifetime chance to break through and wanting the best for her. Her first week at Brest FC went well and then she had the experience of playing at an even higher level at Guingamp.FC. We then got the fantastic news that Brest FC would like to assess her more. That was a crucial week for Julie where she really had to shine against the senior players. It was on the third day of the training that she was supposed to return to the the junior squad, but the coach told her to stay with the senior squad for the rest of the week. When she texted me this, I knew that she made a good impact and things were looking good for her.

On the last night of her trial we were privileged to receive a call from Julie to announce the good news for the future. I spoke to her parents to celebrate this together soon after.

Q. How did LFCIA Mauritius welcomed this amazing news?

A. A very proud moment for the LFCIA Football School in Mauritius! We are all pleased to be able to provide such platforms for young students of football to express themselves to better live their dreams. We are asked to improve the standards of football on the island and to create an international standard football skills academy. Forming Julie to become the first female footballer to possibly sign a contract and to make history in the country is going beyond and above our academy’s goals. We will continue to endeavour to help more players to fulfil their dreams. We are only open for 4 years and we are already having an impact on the international football landscape.

Q. Whats next for Julie?

A. As we all know Brest FC have said they would like to pursue the possibility of Julie joining their club, so its now up to Julies family, agent to discuss the finer details with Brest FC on the pending contract. In the meantime she has already started training back at the LFCIA. Since returning we have fully immersed her into our HPC environment and discussions between the medical, sports science and nutritional department have all taken place to improve her performance. Fingers crossed the contract matters all go smoothly and if she does return to France sooner than later then the LFCIA will make sure she will be in tip-top condition to start her new journey strongly and also be ready to help Lady Club M to more victories when called upon.