Crusaders Strikers goalkeeper Maddy Harvey-Clifford has established herself as one of the stars of the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership despite her youth.
Harvey-Clifford only left Belfast Royal Academy a year ago but has been a regular in the Strikers line-up in recent years with her excellent form rewarded with a call-up to the Northern Ireland international ranks.
The 19-year-old is a graduate of the youth development at Seaview and looks set for a long and prosperous career at the top level.
She believes Crusaders men’s goalkeeper Jonny Tuffey - who doubles up as a goalkeeping coach for the women’s side - has made a significant impact on her development.
Former Northern Ireland shot-stopper Tuffey is married to Harvey-Clifford’s Crues teammate Danielle McDowell and had been involved as a goalkeeping coach with the Strikers prior to transferring to the club from Glenavon in January.
Harvey-Clifford explained: “Jonny has had a massive influence on my performances.
“He came in initially as a coach and now that he is playing with Crusaders men’s team, he probably feels more at home now when he’s coaching me.
“My self-confidence on the pitch is now much higher, especially when I need to play out from the back.
“He brings such an intensity to my training and I love going into every session with him.”
Harvey-Clifford’s fine form is reflected by Spike Hill’s side having the strongest defence in the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership.
Whilst the teenage shot-stopper admits that is a good feeling, she insists that is down to the defensive line in front of her.
Consistency on the pitch - with a settled side and few injuries - and off it, with many of the team’s players sharing a strong bond from youth-team football, is key in the success.
“It’s great personally as goalkeepers love to keep clean sheets but since the start of the season we have changed our back four just once or twice,” Harvey-Clifford continued.
“It is so important to have a consistent defence and to have those players in a unit - making sure we don’t give away any big chances to opposition teams.
“Me and Beth Chalmers have played together since we were 12-year-olds and it’s very rare that we play a game without the other in the team.
“The same is true for Holly Otter and Jess Rea - we have started to become almost the first names on the team sheet having come through the youth setup together.
“It’s really important to have that connection on the pitch as well as off it, and it makes everyone feel that more comfortable and confident.”
Harvey-Clifford is one of multiple teenagers to star in the Danske Bank Women’s Premiership to be called-up to the Northern Ireland international setup.
She believes the exposure to such a high-level training setup with professionals is the ideal opportunity for any young star to continue developing: “It was an unbelievable experience for me to be involved in the squad.
“To see and work with how the professionals work and their approach to training was invaluable - the speed and intensity which they play at.
“I tried to take everything in for how those girls conducted themselves and to be part of a changing room like that is really important.
“To play with Julie Nelson - who has over 120 caps - every week at club level is an incredible experience.
“Julie carries herself so well on and off the pitch, she is a role model and everyone at the club looks up to her.”
