Beatrice Cunnison | The making of a Lilywhite

Defender Beatrice Cunnison has had plenty of inspiration throughout her career to date and none more than her twin sister, Henrietta, having played alongside her on the football pitch.

In the ‘Making of a Lilywhite’ series, we sat down with Beatrice to talk about her footballing journey so far and get to know her a bit better…

Impact of her twin sister and early memories of football…

“My first memory was when my twin sister, Henrietta, who was playing for MK Dons at the time, used to put me in goal in the garden and she would just boot the ball at me non-stop. I just really enjoyed playing football with my sister so much that I joined her on that journey so my dad then got us both trials when we were about seven or eight years old.

“I trialled as a goalkeeper as that’s what I was familiar with at the time – thanks to my sister! I actually got in as a defender, but I ended up playing many different positions throughout my time there.

“It’s really special [playing with a twin sister]. She knows exactly what I’m going through because she’s going through it too. If I ever have a tough day or an argument, she understands and helps me. We don’t get to see each other as much now because of football, but we always support each other and go to each other’s games when we can.

“My dad, definitely, has been a big impact on my footballing journey. He gives me confidence every day - watches all my games back with me, encourages me constantly and helps me improve.”

Making lifelong friends…

“Another great memory I have from my time at MK Dons in the younger years was that I met Erin Radbourne and we were together in the same set-up for nine years. Erin, who was actually playing outfield then, threw the ball from one side of the pitch and I headed it in - that was my first goal for MK!

“It’s been amazing [having Erin in the same group with me]. Coming into a new environment, it really helped having someone who already knew me. We’ve been through so much together - different clubs, different challenges - she’s my lifelong friend, and it’s something not many players get to experience.”

Making the switch to Lilywhite…

“I stayed at MK Dons till I was about 15 years old and, at that time, I felt I needed a new challenge. So, my sister and I went for trials at Spurs for the Under-16s - there were three rounds, and I made it through to the third, where I got offered a place. My dad had to tell us that only one of us had made it through to the final round.

“I joined the Under-16s first, then moved up to the Under-21s. Last season I played a full year with the 21s, which was really enjoyable. I’ve learned and grown so much — both as a player and a person. I’ve learned to focus on what I can control and not stress over what I can’t. It’s such a big club, and everyone really looks after you. It’s a great environment for development.”

Fellow defender inspiration…

“Someone I really look up to is Toko Koga. She’s only 19 and for her to be in that position, already being such a good player, she’s just amazing. I went down to watch the Aston Villa game in the Women’s League Cup and seeing her play really motivated me - I thought, “I want to be like that.

“My style of play likes to see me drive the ball out from the back, be calm in possession and I feel I can be quite reliable in one-v-one situations. Away from the pitch, I think I’m quite a bubbly person and I would think my friends would say I’m quite funny. I’m just very talkative and outgoing and I think that reflects on the football pitch as well.”