Three British American football players have taken the step up to the professional level after signing with the DC Divas in the United States’ Women’s Football Alliance.
Yasmin Cazeau, Anna Akinyosoye and Jakki Duncan, who have all represented Great Britain Women at international level, are plying their trade in the American capital this summer having signed for the DC Divas.
The Women’s Football Alliance (WFA) is the world’s largest 11-a-side women’s contact football league, with almost 60 teams competing across three divisions.
The British trio started their season in impressive fashion last weekend, defeating the Philadelphia Phantomz 71-0 in the Divas’ 25th anniversary season.
No stranger to the gridiron on foreign soil, offensive tackle Cazeau said that her new side were quick to welcome their new British contingent.
“We have been given such an incredible opportunity to play professionally and opportunities like this are so few and far between,” Cazeau said.
“The DC Divas have been so amazing and welcoming, they have truly welcomed us into such an amazing family – they even brought us mugs so we can have a cuppa!
“I cannot wait to see where this season leads us, there are such amazing and talented women in this programme, and everyone needs to see what they can do!”
“From the moment we landed in DC, we have been wrapped in love—no egos, just hugs, laughs, and a team that truly feels like family,” added Great Britain and Birmingham Lions tight end Akinyosoye.
“Playing in the WFA Pro has reignited a spark I didn’t know I’d lost, and I hope we’ve helped open the door for more women to chase this path.
“I’m so excited to get out on the field repping the Divas against some of the best talent in the world!”
For Duncan, who like her compatriots will balance life on the East Coast with competition back home for her Teesside Steelers, the opportunity in the WFA was simply unmissable.
“Having the opportunity to go play in DC is one you couldn’t have even imagined as a young girl who loved sport,” she said.
“The opportunity for women in sport let alone professionally was sparse for our generation so getting to go to such an established team and be welcomed like one of the family has been an experience you could have only dreamt of.
“We get to train and play 11’s football three times a week compared to once a month within a league of the most talented individuals who can only help us grow as players!”
Catch Cazeau, Akinyosoye and Duncan in action with the Divas next at home against the Tampa Bay Inferno on Saturday 10 May via their YouTube channel.
