Linda Bush, 29, of Stockport Celtic Ladies' Football Club:

I always kicked a ball around as a kid and I've been playing for women's teams since I was 18. When I was nine, I played for the school team with the boys but I was chucked out once I was ten. Things have changed a lot now and most schools have a girls' football team and girls can play football as part of the PE curriculum.

I like playing central midfield best but I play defence as well. We train once a week and play matches all over the North West. In season, every Sunday is taken up with football. I love team sports and I love playing football for the real sense of belonging to something - I also like the competitive element. Last year I was Manager's Player of the Season!

We have a male manager like most women's teams but it is time there were more female managers, coaches and referees. People say women's football is the fastest growing sport.

I'm a Newcastle fan and I admire David Batty. I also admire Tony Adams as leader of Arsenal. I shall be glued to the TV screen during the World Cup and I'm looking forward to some upsets. Nigeria and Morocco have got some fantastic players. I think we'll see some good goals!

We've got a good coach at the Saturday club. We do some training at the beginning and then we play a game. We have to practise long passing and short passing, tackling and getting in good spaces so that you can pass.

I like playing football because I like winning. My favourite bit is when we score. My favourite position is goalie.

I support Manchester United and I really like David Beckham. I think the World Cup is brilliant.