I’m Yoruba, they only see me as white —Falcons’ Ashleigh Plumptre

<p>Ashleigh Plumptre, born on 8 May 1998 in Leicester, is a professional footballer who currently represents the Nigeria national team, the Super Falcons which today play ousted Ireland in the last group game of the ongoing FIFA Women World Cup.</p>, <p>The Super Falcons defender recently decided to part ways with English Super League side Leicester City. The departure of Plumptre was officially announced by the Foxes in a statement confirming that the talented defender left the club after her contract expired at the King Power Stadium.</p>, <p>With a diverse background and a passion for the sport, Plumptre has made a name for herself in the footballing world.</p>, <p>Early life</p>, <p>Growing up in Melton Mowbray, Plumptre attended primary school there. Her journey in football began at the age of four when she joined Asfordby Amateurs.</p>, <p>Recognising her talent and dedication, she joined the Leicester City Centre of Excellence at the age of eight and spent seven years with the club, progressing from under-10 to under-15 level.</p>, <p>In 2013, she made a move to Birmingham City’s under-17 team, where she had the opportunity to train with the senior WSL 1 team. During that time, she briefly joined Derby County’s Centre of Excellence, a third-tier FA Women’s Premier League side.</p>, <p>Growing up in Melton Mowbray, a short 30-minute drive from the city, Plumptre’s affinity for football led her to join Leicester City’s centre of excellence at a young age.</p>, <p>From the age of eight to 14, she honed her skills within the club’s youth system, having already started playing for a local girls’ team a few years prior.</p>, <p>Reflecting on her childhood, Plumptre describes herself as a child who always craved physical activity.</p>, <p>After returning home from school, she would promptly drop off her bags and head outside to play football until her mother called her in for dinner.</p>, <p>This unwavering dedication to the sport was a testament to her passion and drive, even at a young age.</p>, <p>“I was one o