In any fairy tale, the story of the courageous underdog who must overcome their biggest challenge to fulfil their dream is a classic.
Once upon a time, a little girl dreamed of playing for Manchester City. One day, that dream was realised and now, she stands as a hero - the fearless warrior, the midfield engine, the beating heart of her beloved team...
As for any female footballer, the path to glory has not been easy. It may not have happened at all if not for some words of parental wisdom but thankfully, along with her tireless work ethic, deep passion and sheer talent, Keira Walsh also possesses a levelheadedness and maturity beyond her years to accept that sometimes, other people may know best.
Those nuggets of advice have been crucial in guiding Walsh's path - and every fairy tale conqueror has a little help along the way - but the road to stardom has been earned with drive, determination and desire.
Born and bred in Rochdale, Greater Manchester, her love of football and City descended from her father, whose impact in his daughter's career spans far more than simply piquing an interest. While Keira fondly looks back on her early years of City fandom as 'obsession', her dad recognised her talents, channelling her enthusiasm and encouraging her to learn from her idols. The pair would practice in the park across the road from their house, perfecting the art of the pass - a trait now regarded as the midfielder's most impressive.
“My dad used to sit me down, put the football on and tell me to watch different players like Yaya Toure or David Silva and say: ‘Watch how they play.’ I’d sit next to him on the couch and watch how they played for 90 minutes. He’d say: ‘You can do that better, watch the way he turns with the ball, try to copy that…’”
While her father's influence helped to shape Keira's career on the physical side, her mother played an equally crucial role, encouraging her teenage daughter to trial for City, bestowing the confidence to showcase her skill to the Club she had adored since childhood. Watching on, City manager Nick Cushing knew immediately he'd uncovered a diamond in the rough and moved quickly to secure her services. Lifelong Blue Walsh joined the Development Squad - and so the journey began.
Aged just 17, Walsh was patient. She did not instantly harbour hopes of first-team football - she was thrilled to be donning her beloved blue and eager to learn from some of the best and most experienced names in the game, consuming every crumb of knowledge and experience from her coaches and peers.
England internationals Steph Houghton, Jill Scott, Karen Bardsley, Toni Duggan and Izzy Christiansen among the names who had joined the City revolution as the Club contested its debut campaign in the top flight of English football. City were the unknown, the newcomers - a squad assembled with England stars, members of the original Ladies team and youngsters. A fruitful blend.
Though the youngster may have been content to continue studying, her coaches felt instead she was ready for examination. The best way to learn is to experience and the Development Squad starlet was thrown into the deep end, earning her senior debut at 17.
Gaining more regular minutes as the season progressed, fans, peers and coaches were intrigued by the previously unknown mini midfield dynamo but Cushing and co. knew her capabilities. Underlining their trust in her ability, Walsh was selected in the starting XI for the 2014 Continental Cup Final and produced an imperious display against the country’s most successful side, famously nullifying the threat of England legend Kelly Smith, as City triumphed with a shock 1-0 win to clinch a first piece of major silverware – Walsh lifting her first of seven trophies for her cherished Club.
Today, at the age of just 24, Walsh stands as one of the Club's all-time top appearance makers with almost 180 games to her name. Boasting an incredible passing range, unshakable composure and excellent reading of the game, she is one of the most integral cogs in the City machine.
While she would be the first to admit she would like to sharpen her eye for goal, having netted seven goals for the Club (six of those outside the area), Walsh's game is not about personal glory - it's about doing what is required for the benefit of the team; putting the needs of others before her own.
“I will not hold back: she is up there unrivalled with the most intelligent players I have ever worked with. You have to be so smart in spaces and the way she picks up and affects the build-up, dictating play and helping other players, is pivotal to us. She is so important.”
It's a philosophy that has served her well thus far. During her seven years at the Club, Walsh has lifted every domestic trophy available and even accomplished every fans' dream of scoring in a Cup Final at Wembley Stadium - a moment she will never forget.
The only personal target that eludes her (so far) is a goal in the Manchester Derby! In the past, her unbreakable love for City has shone through most evidently on Derby Day - on one occasion a little too much, as she allowed her emotions to run rule and was shown a red card.
Though disappointing, that experience provided a valuable lesson on controlling emotions and remaining logical - lessons that have aided her overall gameplay and decision-making, and she currently holds the local bragging rights with February's 3-0 Derby victory.
As her career has progressed, Walsh has deservedly earned a reputation as one of the most reliable and consistent performers, with many predicting future captaincy - for Club and country.
Since making her debut for England in 2017, she has been ever-present in the heart of the Lionesses midfield, helping her country to SheBelieves Cup success, and has in fact, already savoured the honour of sporting the captain's armband - gained on just her seventh international cap.
Highly respected by teammates and opponents alike, Walsh is a quiet and reserved character away from the pitch but a true leader on it: vocal, encouraging and truly committed - and unafraid to communicate her views if standards are not of her expectation. It is that drive and ambition that will ensure she is able to reach new levels of her own game - and enhance the performance of those around her.
The 2020/21 campaign bore a switch in focus. Having only ever played under one manager at senior level for her Club in Cushing, the appointment of Gareth Taylor saw Walsh employ a more 'patient and logical' approach - utlising her energy and possession more effectively.
A mature outlook, inspirational leadership and strong work ethic are key to Walsh's success: individually and on a collective level. Whether her fairy tale will script gold at the end of an Olympic tournament remains to be seen but one thing is for sure: the City fan living the dream is enjoying the journey and will do all she can to make her country, her family and her teammates proud.
By Caroline Oatway
“For me now, it’s about pushing on and taking ownership of other people’s game, helping them to improve – being more of a leader in the team. I am quite vocal anyway – I never had problem telling people if something was not up to standard. I pride myself on high standards and I’ve spoken with my managers about trying to drive those high standards on the pitch. That honesty is what we need to get to the next level.”
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