The Sky Is The Limit

Cloé Lacasse, Canada

My name is Cloé Lacasse, I was born and raised in the north of Ontario in a city called Sudbury. I represent the Canadian National Team and I just signed for Arsenal Women’s Football Club. Some would say I have been preparing my whole life for this World Cup - this will be my first. As a football player it is absolutely the biggest stage on the national level. 

Throughout the years my career has been an upward climb. What has been consistent is my resilience and determination. I have always bet on myself and my capabilities as a football player even when others did not. 

I received my first cap for Canada at the age of 28. For that reason, none of these special moments are ever taken for granted. To have the opportunity to represent my country on the World Cup stage is a massive credit to my support system, tenacity, and perseverance. It is astonishing to say that in a few short weeks a childhood dream of mine will be fulfilled.

I started playing football against my older brother in the backyard of my home. I come from a small town where not many people played football. There were not many opportunities. There was only one club team. I come from a hockey town so that posed its challenges!

My family have all played such a pivotal role in where I am today. My mother drove me to Toronto (an eight-hour journey there and back from my hometown) each weekend for nearly 4 years on top of working full time as a teacher. My father helped me train extra hours since my town did not provide many resources or assistance, all while working night shift as a truck driver. 

Then of course there is my brother, where it all started. He was probably the most influential person in my football career growing up. We were extremely competitive and to this day there are a few tricks up my sleeve that were taken from him. Like many families we had our struggles. My brother faced extremely personal hardship and he was able to conquer it. Having been able to witness his resilience and strength throughout those very challenging years inspires me every day. 

I think it is those humble beginnings that have been ingrained in me from a young age that gave me the mentality I have. Coming from a small town, with blue collar roots, some people could have allowed it to hinder them. My family showed me the opposite mentality - you get what you put in. Hard work and resilience do pay off with time. 

What did you try to show with the photos? Was there any wider meaning with the photos?

I wanted these photos to be authentic. What you see is how we live daily. It is how we prepare our bodies and minds to our best capacity to succeed as a footballer, and of course we have a little bit of fun during the process.

From the outside, football players' lifestyles are glamorised. It is nice to show the world what women’s football players are fighting for and how they work and operate behind the scenes. 

These photos were taken with my former club SL Benfica. It shows the daily routines we go through during the week. It also shows a bit of goofing around but that is also a part of the daily routine. 

There is a photo of Ana Seiça and I on a scooter heading to Éstadio da Luz. We probably chose this method of transportation 80% of the season. She has a few Lamborghinis parked at home, but we think this is more efficient (joke!). We started doing it this past year and it always started off our days with a smile. Since she lives nearby we started a “scooter pool”. The reactions you get from people are also well worth it. 

What is one thing you always do to prepare before a game?

I think I have a good pre-game habit. I always try to clean my house before going to meet the team on game day. It keeps my mind busy. I try not to overthink the upcoming game. It is also a great pre-game mobility activation. Plus when you show up tired at home after game day, nothing is better than a clean house. 

What are the opportunities and challenges for women's footballers in Canada and Portugal? What changes have you seen in women's football since you started playing?

In certain parts of the world, women’s football is expanding at an exponential rate. It has been incredible to be a part of and also witness it. Now young girls and boys can have women’s football idols because there is starting to be visibility. Whereas in the past my generation did not have that. 

Portugal and Canada are in different situations. Portugal has a women’s professional league, whereas Canada will not have one until 2025. It has been extremely eye-opening to go to a country like Portugal and help expand and develop their league, and also seeing club youth sections grow exponentially. I am extremely grateful to have been able to have a positive impact there. 

However, as a Canadian player it is bittersweet. It is incredible to get these opportunities to play all around the world, but it hurts because you want to be able to help expand your own country's football league. Give back to the nation you grew up in. As well as playing professional football, part of our job is to pave the way for future generations. So that girls from small town Sudbury, Ontario can have opportunities locally or nearby and not have to drive eight hours each weekend. They can idolise Canadian players that they get to meet, watch, and learn from. 

What role does football play in your community and Canadian society? What does the future look like for women's football? 

In my community of Sudbury, Ontario, football (soccer) is not extremely popular. People like to go out with friends every now and then to kick around. There are a few recreational leagues as well. Canadians are starting to be enthusiastic about soccer. You can see as a nation it is growing. When we play in Canada the stadiums are full. 

I am optimistic in a few short years Canada will become a soccer nation for both women and men. I hope after the Women’s World Cup, football will gain traction and popularity even more so around the world.

What does football and representing your country mean to you?

It is “The Dream” but it is also a story of resilience and determination. I come from a blue-collar family, a small town with minimal opportunities or resources as a football player. It shows with the right support behind you and the right mentality, it does not matter who you are or where you come from. The sky's the limit.

What are your personal ambitions for the future?

I want to enjoy this moment. My family and I have worked my entire career to get here to the Women’s World Cup. At the moment my ambition is about honouring today and making sure it is not taken for granted. Team Canada and I have a World Cup to win. That is where my focus lies.