I used to be an Uber driver… now I play for Arsenal and starred at World Cup
ARSENAL winger Caitlin Foord is about to enter her fourth Women's Super League campaign.
But before making it as a full-time professional footballer, she worked part-time as an Uber driver in Wollongong, Australia.
Foord, 28, who had just signed for Sydney FC at the time, initially worked as a physio's aide.
However, after picking up an injury during the 2017-18 W-League campaign she decided that a change was needed.
Foord said: "I did it to keep myself busy at my physio I go to, just helping out. Just to see what it was like.
"When I was injured, I was bored and I got sick of having the same conversations with people, so I signed up as an Uber driver and drove people around Wollongong.
Read More on Football
"It lasted 48 hours. I worked a Friday and Saturday night. One person recognised me, a friend of a friend. She said 'uhh Caitlin what are you doing?'"
Although her spell as an Uber driver was short-lived, Foord admitted she could see the attraction to driving full-time.
She added: "It was addictive. There are noises and lights and then when you get someone, you get to meet them.
"But at the end of I was like, is this really worth it?"
Most read in Football
FREE BETS - BEST BETTING OFFERS AND BONUSES NEW CUSTOMERS
The minimum W-League wage was as little as £5,270 back in 2017, according to reports.
So many footballers had to get second jobs as a result.
Foord now plays for Arsenal in England's top tier, the WSL.
She joined the Gunners from Portland Thorns FC in 2020 and has since been a key member of the first team squad.
The winger helped Jonas Eidevall's side to Continental Cup glory last season, starting as Arsenal defeated Chelsea 3-1 in the final.
Foord also represents the Australia women's national team and featured at the 2023 Women's World Cup this summer.