Following on from co-starring in a short Nike film to celebrate the launch of the new PhantomVNM boot, we caught up with young North-Londoner and rising Tottenham Ladies athlete Ronnell Humes, to find out what it was like to be amongst the first to have a kick-around at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
From joining the Tottenham Hotspur Ladies at the age of 8 to being part of the historic team that won promotion to WSL2 – North London has always been her home ground – and her roots run much deeper than the fresh turf that she steps upon to mark a new chapter for Tottenham Hotspur Football Club. Film released, Ronnell explained to us how the day panned out.
Ronnell, you're amongst the first to play at the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium. What was your schedule for the day like and can you describe the experience for us...
It was a very early one in the morning with the day kicking off at Tottenham Power league where I met up with the Nike team and other girls involved. It was a lovely start to the day as the girls and everyone from Nike was very welcoming and the energy in environment was very positive. The day of filming started, the camera crew were very creative and dynamic in their work. Working with them was a valuable experience for me and one that has helped me develop as a person. It was a massive honour to end the day gracing the pitch at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Being able to showcase your talent and be a part of this short film with Nike is something that any young local person would jump at the chance to be involved in!
And the stadium itself. What's it like?
The new Tottenham Hotspur stadium is absolutely amazing. The work that has been done there has been sensational, and everyone involved with the club should feel extremely proud. There is no doubt that it’s the best in London & England by a country mile.
What was your initial reaction like when you walked through the tunnel?
Walking through the tunnel felt special. There will be a lot of world class talent walking through this tunnel week in, week out. It has motivated me and inspired me to work hard in football and hopefully in the future I’ll be walking out to the thousands of Tottenham Hotspur fans on a match day.
There's still an element of mystery about the new Tottenham Hotspur stadium. What do you think the atmosphere is going to be like once it's full?
There is no doubt in my mind that when the new stadium is officially open, everyone in the world will want to play here as Tottenham Hotspur stadium will be home to the best fans and atmosphere in world football.
How was the session?
We took part in a training session where we focused on our technical skills, being able to master the ball, dominate 1v1 and create goal scoring opportunities in attacking situations.
You met Harry Kane too, what was that like?
Harry Kane is an inspiration to many young people who love football. He is so young and talented and the journey he has been on in his career so far shows us that with hard work, faith and belief all things are possible. It was great to meet him and have a discussion about football. Harry Kane offered me some great advice that will stick with me for a lifetime and will surely help me in my own career. He is a humble man and I wish him all the very best in the future.
You're a Londoner. There's so many top level clubs in London, do you see London as one of the football capitals of the world?
London produces some of the best talent in England. Wherever you go you’ll see young children playing football with a smile on their face initiating their football heroes. London has a lot of opportunities and over the years to come there will be a lot more talent being procured from the capital.
It has to be one of the most competitive and driven cities in the world. Do you think Londoners take that mindset onto the pitch?
The streets are tough in London but there you learn a lot about yourself within these tough environments. When a Londoner steps onto the pitch you know that you will get hard work, never say die attitude, swagger, bravery and a fearless mentality. Us Londoner’s just have that little something extra which makes us unique.
London has such a huge amount of different cultures; do you see the role that football plays in bringing these all together?
Football is a sport that is a universal language. Football brings everyone together from all walks of life, cultures & experiences. It is a sport that unites the country together and the World Cup was a prime example of that. During that period the capital was buzzing, and everyone was out in the sun playing football with so much happiness and joy which was beautiful to see.
Watch the full Nike PhantomVNM film with Ronnell Humes and Harry Kane here.
