From first pulling on the coveted red and white kit when she was in Primary 1 to making her SWPL debut at the age of 15, midfield maestro Ronaigh Douglas has now achieved another magnificent milestone in her career by making a record breaking 273 appearances in competitive football for Spartans.
We caught up with Ronaigh to find out more about her incredible 22 years with the club, the why and the how of what it means to a Spartan and find out what her most special memory has been so far.
Spartans: Firstly, congratulations on becoming Spartans Women’s record appearance holder with an incredible 273 competitive games under your belt. How does that feel?
Ronaigh: Thank you. It’s honestly very surreal. It’s not something I ever set out to achieve, so to look back now and realise I’ve played that many games for a club that means so much to me is incredibly special. I feel very proud, but also really grateful — to the coaches who trusted me, the teammates I’ve played alongside, and the club as a whole for giving me so many opportunities over the years.
S: Did 15-year-old Ronaigh think that would be possible when you made your competitive debut in March 2014?
R: Not at all. At 15, I was just happy to be involved with the senior team and desperate to make the most of any minutes I was given. I don’t think I looked much further ahead than the next training session or the next game. The idea of still being here more than a decade later, with that many appearances, definitely wouldn’t have crossed my mind back then.
S: You’ve been at the club since you were just 5 years old. Some have said if they cut you in half, you’d be like a stick of Blackpool rock with ‘Spartans’ running right through your body. What makes Spartans so special for you?
R: Spartans has basically been my family’s second home for as long as I can remember — my siblings played here too, so the club has always been a huge part of our lives. I’ve grown up here, not just as a footballer but as a person. It genuinely feels like family. The people, the values and the sense of belonging make it about so much more than just football, and that’s what makes Spartans so special to me.
S: As a player and youth team ambassador, what message would you give to those young girls in our Academy who want to be the next Ronaigh Douglas?
R: Just enjoy it and don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Work hard, listen, and be open to learning, but remember to have fun as well. If you love football and stick at it, you give yourself every chance — and you never know where it might take you. Believe in yourself and don’t be afraid to take opportunities when they come, but always remember that being a good person and a good teammate matters just as much as being a good player.
S: It’s also hard to believe at times that you are still only 27. Can we expect to be celebrating 500 appearances in the years to come?
R: I’ll never put a number on it, but as long as I’m enjoying my football, staying fit, and still able to contribute to the team, I’ll keep going. Reaching 273 appearances has shown me how quickly time flies, so who knows?
S: Over the 13 seasons in the Senior side, what have been the best or most significant memories for you so far?
R: There are so many moments I’ll always look back on — making my debut so young, the friendships I’ve made along the way — but one moment that will always stay with me is playing at Hampden. Walking out there in a Spartans shirt with my friends, family and grandparents in the stands was incredibly special. My Gran hadn’t been to Hampden in 72 years, so being able to share that moment with her is something I’ll never forget. Seeing everyone who’s supported me through the years, from when I was a kid right through to now, really hit home. Those are the moments that remind you why you play — it’s not just about football, it’s about the people you get to share it with.
