Cathrine Graversen embraces new role in futsal national team

Cathrine Graversen is back with a brand new national team as she looks to carry out a bigger and different role this time.

The 26-year-old Graversen, who was a former defender for the women's football national team, has committed to the futsal national team for the upcoming ASEAN Women’s Futsal Championships hosted by the Philippines in late November. 

From the field with 10 other players to the hardcourt with only five, Graversen has been steadily relearning to play futsal again in her second act as a national team member.

For her, it has never been a more fulfilling and exciting process. 

The half-Filipina, half-Danish booter is ready to provide leadership with her valuable years of experience to her much younger teammates. 

“Obviously, football and futsal are very different as for the technicals and all those other aspects, I also need to learn them. Because I’m new to this coach [Vic Hermans] and this national team,” Graversen told GMA News Online.

“My role in this, obviously, since I’m older than most of them, I want to show them how to be professional and being in a professional environment, give them directions, I can help them with that. And maybe guide them in the field as well,” she added. 

Although the nationals are short on time in their first competition together, Graversen is confident that their hard work and talent will be on full display as intended. 

“Everybody will have some time to get used to the system. He’s (Hermans) gonna introduce us more into his technical plans towards the upcoming tournaments,” she said. 

“We only had a few days just for the tryouts. Then we’re gonna have more preparation towards the AFF tournament. We’ll also have solid plans for next year, I think it’s gonna be good,” she added. 

Aside from her renewed commitment to the Philippines, Graversen is also eyeing to return to club football following stints in Türkiye, South Korea, and multiple European countries.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News