Fostering UK’s Senior Supervising Social Worker, Tanya Dales.
Tanya was selected for the Great Britain Lion’s team in the 2022 IFAF Women’s World Championship. This was a tremendous achievement as the National Women’s Football League (NWFL) is the highest level of competitive Women’s Contact Football in the UK.
We are very lucky to have such an inspiring and dedicated team member working with us here at Fostering UK, here we share a little of Tanya’s American Football story:
Tanya first became interested in American Football when a fellow Social Worker, who was the head coach of The Peterborough Royals Team, took Tanya along one day to give things a try. Tanya has been a player for them ever since and has also taken on the role of Team Manager!
Tanya plays primarily on the defensive side of the ball as a Linebacker; a linebacker is the leader of the defence, they look to block the pass and stop the run, and read the movement of the opposing offence. The position requires the player to have extraordinarily sharp instincts! Tanya has played for both Peterborough Royals Women’s American Football Team, since it was established in 2016, and has also played for the South Lincolnshire Lightning Senior Team, since it was established in 2021.
The Royals are in Div. 1 in the National Women’s Contact Football League and the Lightning are in Div. 2 in the Adult Contact League. Tanya is the Team Manager for both teams and has stepped up to assist in coaching this season, she has also recently been acting as Defensive Co-Ordinator for both teams, ensuring that she has been a VERY busy lady!
Tanya’s first call up to try out for team GB was in 2021; Tanya explained that there is a selection process to go through – firstly, players attend training camps where they are assessed, if successful they are selected for the GB training squad, meaning that regular training camps are attended to then determine the final selection of players who will be on the GB travel squad.
Tanya’s place on the GB travel squad was announced on 15.07.22; the team flew to Finland on 28.07.22 to compete in the IFAF Women’s World Championships.
Teams playing in the Championships included USA, Canada, Mexico, Germany, Sweden, Finland, Australia and Canada.
Tanya is a fantastic inspiration to young people and especially to those we work with, displaying a fierce determination to succeed and leading by example.
Fostering UK, who were proud sponsors of Tanya, are beyond proud that she was chosen to represent Great Britain!
On Sunday 7th August 2022, GB took on USA in the FINAL! After giving the USA a run for their money and going to half time at 14-14, the USA were the victors but GB made history and gained a silver medal. Many congratulations GB – we are beyond proud of you!
