Neive Corry: Saving Goals, Chasing Degrees

Lauren Shiels interviews UCP student and Posh Women goalkeeper Neive Corry about her career so far. 

The wealth of success that can be found within UCP’s alumni is about to increase as Peterborough United Women’s goalkeeper Neive Corry will join the list this summer. 

Corry has been ever-present in between the sticks since making her First Team debut against Solihull Moors back in April 2022. It’s safe to say she has Posh in her blood having previously played for the Foundation squad prior to joining the Development squad (since renamed as Under 23s) during the 2021/22 season. She now has over 80 First Team appearances to her name.  

Photo Credit: Darren Wiles

“My career with Posh has been a rollercoaster; cup finals, record finishes and amazing FA Cup days. I have gained so much experience playing alongside so many teammates and friends. It’s been an amazing journey to see how the team has progressed overtime and we’re not done yet.”

This season, under guidance of new manager Jake Poole, Corry and her teammates recently broke the club record points tally and matched a club high finish in the football pyramid, in third position. Corry played every minute of the campaign.

The shot-stopper selects some of the matches that have stood out to her this season: “The Billericay game (Adobe Women’s FA Cup First Round) was probably my personal highlight of the season so far. I think I had a good game in itself before the penalties. As a goalkeeper, in a penalty shoot-out there’s no pressure on you because the players are kind of meant to score from 12 yards out. I made some good saves and got the crowd into it. The reaction from the team afterwards was a real confidence boost.”

The no.13 is enjoying a successful season in goal, surpassing her best tally of clean sheets. Having only sustained two clean sheets last campaign, Corry has 11 in 31 appearances this season. 

“I didn’t realise how many I had. It’s obviously a lot better than last season. I think I only got two clean sheets last year so I celebrated them a lot when they happened. As a goalkeeper, the aim is to get clean sheets. It’s always nice when the defenders and I get a clean sheet because it means we’ve done the job well. To reach double figures is a great achievement; it’s been nice to see my clean sheet gif on social media so often.”

Corry explains how women’s football has changed over time: “In the past five years, women’s football has grown massively in terms of the media coverage, the crowds and the quality of the game. It’s amazing to see.”

“At Posh, we used to play at the training ground in front of our families but now we’re filling up Abbey Lawn in Bourne with over 200 people. The level of publicity we receive at Posh is great too - we have one of the best social media in our divisions. I was recently noticed on social media and selected for Patrice Evra’s new app ‘Player’ which showcases football talent across the UK.”

Photo Credit: Darren Wiles

With young fans at Abbey Lawn watching on and players coming through the academy pathway at the club, the goalkeeper spoke about being role models on and off the pitch.

“It’s so important to be a role model for the next generation; I always want to do well in front of the young fans and inspire them. It’s still a bit surreal when they ask for autographs still and some fans have shirts with our names on the back too.”

Off the pitch, Corry is keen to interact with the local area and won Women’s Community Player Of The Season at the end of seasons awards last term for her work outside of football.

“Everything I do is worth it. It’s important to have a relationship with the local community and help in any way we can; whether that’s spending time with vulnerable people, raising awareness for different causes or being at meet and greet events.”

Over the past three years, Corry has juggled her football career with studying BA (Hons) Sport & Exercise Science at University Centre Peterborough. “My studies have helped me in terms of looking at the game in a different way.”

The shot-stopper outlines her ambitions after graduating: “I want to be a footballer and play at the highest level that I can. Playing at Wembley Stadium and representing England would be a dream.”

Corry also showcases her desire to go into coaching: “I wouldn’t mind going in to coaching. My dad was a goalkeeper and is certainly an inspiration of mine based on how he played and where played. Sadly, he didn’t make it as a professional so the desire to succeed myself is for him too.”

Looking ahead, the future for Corry seems bright whichever path she takes.