Everton forward Katja Snoeijs believes this week's Merseyside derby at Goodison Park could help to inspire a new generation of girls to get into football.
The Netherlands international arrived at Walton Hall Park in the summer from French side Bordeaux and has since established herself as the focal point of Brian Sorensen's new-look attack. Snoeijs began playing football alongside her male peers in her native Amsterdam, though it wasn't until her teenage years she realised there was a possibility of playing professionally.
The 26-year-old grew up idolising legendary Dutch striker Robin van Persie, and she's hopeful high-profile games such as the derby will ensure aspiring female footballers have heroes they can look up to in the women's game too.
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"I could never have imagined it," Snoeijs said, reflecting on the chance to play at Goodison. "I think that’s something for us to think about because we’re now trying to inspire the next generation.
"There will be little girls coming to this derby and they’ll be able to look at us playing in this stadium and realise it could be them in 10 or 20 years. That’s something a lot of players from my generation didn’t really have: that visibility of women’s football to show you what you can reach. It’s a really important game from that perspective as well.
"It’s really exciting. Playing a derby is already exciting but playing in a stadium like Goodison it’s something to really look forward to."
Snoeijs started against Liverpool in the reverse fixture back in September - when goals from Megan Finnigan, Jess Park and Hanna Bennison helped Everton to a comprehensive 3-0 victory at Anfield - and she believes the Blues can take plenty of encouragement from that performance into Friday's clash.
"Toni Duggan mentioned that playing at Anfield is an experience already so just enjoy it but we wanted to win there too," Snoeijs told the ECHO. "It wasn’t only the result but the way that we played that game that really gave us a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.
"Overall in the UK, but especially in Liverpool, football is just a massive part of life. I’ve never experienced a derby like this where it's two clubs from the same city so it puts on an extra level of excitement for the game.
"We’re just trying to focus on ourselves and putting in a good performance on our side. Liverpool did really well in their last game [against Tottenham] so I think it will be a challenging game. I think if we can put in a good performance like we did at Anfield, we can do good things again."
It's been an impressive first season on Merseyside for Snoeijs, who notched her first Everton goal in a 3-0 victory over Sheffield United in November. The 26-year-old was one of 10 new players to sign for the club last summer following the appointment of manager Sorensen, and she believes the Blues are continuing to improve with each game they play under their Danish coach.
"I’ve reached the point where I can say I’ve settled in so I think you can then shift your attention to the performance part. I think there’s still room to improve personally but overall as a team we can look back on a good season so far.
"When you get a new manager and a lot of new players in, it can sometimes take a little while for things to gel but I think we’ve reached a point where you can really see our identity on the field.
"I feel like each game we’re getting better and able to put in better performances on and off the ball so that’s something to look forward to in the upcoming games as well."
Everton and Liverpool will face off in the WSL Merseyside derby at Goodison Park at 7.30pm on Friday March 24. Tickets are now on general sale. You can find out more here.
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