Maria Karlsson De Cecco won SM gold, the Swedish Cup and the Supercup with Linköping before she signed for English Doncaster Rovers Belles in January 2011.

With the signing, she became the first Swedish female player in the English league.

And a lot has happened in the last eleven years, says Karlsson De Cecco.

- It is an absolutely incredible development from 2011, when I myself played in the Women's Super League, the first year of the league, to today, eleven years later.

That development, I think it's hard to see in many other industries.

"More soil than grass"

Karlsson De Cecco ended his football career in 2016 and now works as an agent for several Swedish national team players.

She has thus had the opportunity to follow developments in England, which she believes have taken place in all areas.

- Everything from these basic conditions in terms of quality of plans, quality of facilities, changing rooms and gyms.

How was the quality when you played?

- Then it was very mixed quality.

Everything from us playing on very nice lawns in good stadiums to matches where there was more soil than grass.

And now it is top class above all, both during training and matches and also matches in the very largest arenas with very large crowds.

There is a problem

What do you think is behind the development?

- Now it is above all that you provide the conditions to be good.

Conditions are given regarding facilities and finances.

Then the quality of the football also increases and the product becomes much more attractive, says Karlsson De Cecco.

However, she highlights a problem.

With the fact that in England you are not allowed to sign contracts with players before they turn 18, a 17-year-old player can leave for another club completely free of charge, which, according to Karlsson De Cecco, inhibits development.

- Here we are talking about the very highest state level, where you need to change rules and laws so that even academies and young girls have the opportunity to develop and that way you get even more soccer players.

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