Rising And Shining

SWPL 2’s September Player of the Month, 17-year-old Boroughmuir Thistle winger Cara Borthwick, reflects on the early recognition after scoring four goals in five games. The Edinburgh-born teenager, who works part-time as a lifeguard, describes the step up in physicality from Under-17s football, recalling being bodychecked off the pitch by Scotland defender Nicola Docherty in a Sky Sports Cup quarter-final, and credits manager Andy Enwood’s training intensity for her improved fitness and game awareness. A self-described member of the Tartan Army since childhood, she names Caroline Weir and Erin Cuthbert as formative inspirations from watching Scotland matches at Hampden, and unwinds through surfing away from football and study.