Bianca Owens has become a standout name at Norton & Stockton Ancients. Leading the scoring charts across all six divisions of the FA Women’s National League, she has netted fourteen goals in just eleven appearances this season. I was lucky to sit down with her following the Ancients’ recent victory in the Women’s FA Cup.
Since 71: Could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
Bianca Owens: I’m from Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside. I am a huge Middlesbrough fan.
Who was your biggest footballing inspiration while growing up?
This could be from within the family, youth coaches or professional players. I’d be interested to hear about different role models from men’s and women’s football.
My brother Jamie, he was a striker playing semi-professional football as I grew up, all I wanted to do was be like him. I watched every single one of his games and I still do now, home and away.
Could you tell me about your experience at youth football?
I didn’t start playing football competitively until aged 12, the area I was from didn’t have anything for girls, so I just played with my friends. My best friends Mum set up a girl’s team in my local area for me, this is how it all began!
Last season you scored twelve goals in seventeen games but this season you’ve reached that total in just ten matches. When you set out on the opening day did you have any expectations of yourself for the season?
To be honest no. I love to score goals to help the team because Norton is so important to me but I don’t mind if I don’t score another for the rest of the season if it meant we pick up results.
Now you’ve hit twelve goals, do you have a favourite?
So far yes, Durham Cestria was nice. The conditions were shocking, it was a storm everybody was absolutely soaking. Anyways 94’ winner!
How important was your time at Middlesborough in your development?
Very, Lindsay and Kelsey were brilliant with me. Lindsay told me how it is, tough love they call it and I was working under one of the best coaches in the Country in Kelsey, I learnt so much from her every single day.
You are currently plying your trade at Norton and Stockton Ancients, this is your second stint with the club, what brought you back to the club and how would you sell it to a prospective new signing?
I always say you don’t understand Norton until you’ve experienced it. It’s a family club like non-I’ve ever been involved in. I think it speaks volumes when more than half of the first team squad have made over 100 appearances each.
You left in January 2023 to make the move to Newcastle United. After the club had missed out on promotion the season before, was the aim quite simple, provide the goals to secure promotion into the FA WNL Northern Premier?
Yes, I knew Becky Langley before I decided to make the switch, and we had a good relationship. When she approached me, it was quite clear the aim and that was promotion. I’d like to think she brought me in to compliment what they already had.
You must have been quite proud to have played your part in the title-winning side?
I loved every minute of it, it was one of my favourite moments in football. The last day of the season going down to goal difference added to it. A season I won’t forget.
You also represented the club in front of over 24,000 fans at St James’ Park. How was that?
Easily the best moment of my football journey so far. Not only just the fans, and the whole experience but the result! I did want the penalty, but Rachel Lee wouldn’t let me have it!
Manager, Becky Langley said, “Attackers need a certain level of arrogance. They try and sometimes it won’t come off, but they have that ability to try it again. Bianca has that.” Is that something that you agree with?
100%, things go wrong most of the time on the football pitch, but I’d always want to try it again to pull it off. In most cases, being creative is what can win us the game so I will always try it again and again. Sometimes you just need that one moment.
Was it a difficult decision to leave Newcastle United given their upward trajectory?
Yes, I had an amazing relationship with all the players and coaching staff. I wasn’t even bothered about the upward trajectory; I loved the club and how they treated me. The project was amazing, and I eventually they will go onto play in the Champions League for sure, I am just happy to have played a small part in it.
You returned to the Ancients after one season away. Did the club feel any different or was it like you’d never been gone?
No, all my best friends are there, so the first session back was just the same. I was getting stick 2 minutes into the session and dishing it out after 5.
When the referee next blows their whistle and points to the spot, are you first in line to take it and what is your style, power or placement?
Yes I am definitely taking it, one time someone told me who ever wins it takes it and I can’t get over it. To be honest I normally decide as I am walking up to the ball haha
If the team win but you miss chances, how do you feel after a match? Can you shrug off misses if the team have achieved the three points or will you dwell on them?
Now the manager Chris will definitely vouch for me here, getting three points is all that matters to me, I celebrate every goal like it is my own. I would be the happiest player on the pitch if we win, regardless of my performance. I’ll be upset with myself for missing the chance, but at 90 minutes its gone.
Football is a team game, this is your chance to shout out those who play a part in your personal success in front of goal.
Hey, Stickman!! Haha, I think she has almost every assist for my goals this season, she just puts it on a plate (I miss a few and she lets me know).
Finally, what would constitute a successful season for the Ancients?
We always say staying in the division, but we have strengthened a lot this season (and so has every team in the league) so I would like to just finish as high up the league as possible and enjoy it whilst its here!
