SHE’S known as the female face of Liverpool TV in the UK.
And with her infectious energy in front of the camera, gorgeous looks and a footballing background to boot, Claire Rourke is quite simply the perfect ‘chica’ to front one of the EPL’S most-loved clubs.
Today, we’re delighted to have Senorita Rourke on board as our Official England Fútbolita!
“I am so excited! I love all the build up to football’s showpiece event and now that I am going to be part of it with Futbolita, it’s going to make it all the more entertaining,” said Claire, who started her career at Real Madrid TV.
And like Claire, you could be your country’s voice – updating the world on your nation’s progress – from team selection, opinions and spreading the excitement and cheer throughout the tournament.
Yes, starting from today, we are seeking passionate individuals to represent their countries as a “Futbolita de la Mundo”.
“I cant believe it just a few months away, it seems like we have been counting down to this one forever- maybe its because this is our (England’s) best opportunity for many years!” enthused Claire.
CAREER
Claire’s journey started as early as 2005 when she landed a dream stint as one of the launch anchors at Real Madrid TV.
After graduating from university, she worked in the Spanish capital before accepting a job with LFC TV two years later.
Interestingly, Claire had considered a career as a footballer before she realized the many challenges that came with it.
“I started playing football when I was about 9 for my hometown team, I was lucky that they were one of the best Ladies teams in the country- The Doncaster Belles,” she recalled.
“I had some great times, but there weren’t too many opportunities for female footballers in the UK at that time so I had to look for somewhere else to get my football fix- that’s where journalism came in.”
And indeed, the feisty futbolita has never looked back ever since!
“The great thing about my job is that every day is different, they say variety is the spice of life and that’s definitely the case at LFCTV. Whether it be trips to the training ground to speak to the squad, travelling the world with the Club or hosting nostalgic shows looking back over our incredible history, there’s never a dull moment,” she admitted.
“The highlight of my time at LFC TV so far definitely has to be my trip to Asia with the first team squad last summer. We visited Thailand and Singapore and the reception the Liverpool party got simply blew me away. The fans were so passionate about the Club-it was like Beatle mania when the players arrived.
“Travelling away with the team is my favourite part of the job. You get the opportunity to visit some incredible places and I love covering the different Liverpool love stories that you come across.”
MATCH-DAY ROUTINE
Of course, like the players themselves, Claire also has her own match day routine.
No warm-ups or loud music here though – it’s research through and through!
“My match day routine is quite varied really. If I am hosting the studio build-up show then I’m in work (if you can call it work) about 4-5 hours before kick off, I’ll scour the morning papers and do my research before having a chat with the Producers about how the show is going to pan out. Then to make up (Chanel and MAC if you’re interested!)” she explained.
And like us, Claire also experiences the sensation of anxiety and excitement that comes with the job.
“We have a quick final run through then we are live to the world!! It is such an adrenaline rush when you are live – I don’t think I will ever tire of that feeling. When kick off arrives I am making my notes because immediately after full time I host a live studio phone in/debate show. On other occasions like when I’m on European trips I’m battling for my post match interviews with the rest of the press pack! Although LFC TV does get special treatment from the lads,” she said.
PLAYERS
Oh, special treatment we hear?
The next question has to be– which one of the Scousers does she enjoy speaking to?
“Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher are red through and through and I love working with them,” she said.
“Spare a thought for our adopted Scousers though- Pepe Reina is always up for a laugh and El Nino has embraced everything about Liverpool life which has to be admired.”
Interestingly, Claire and Futbolita happen to have many things in common – including the fact that we both crossed paths (but never met) and we both speak Spanish to El Nino!
DIFFERENCES
For Claire, her experience at Real Madrid TV has also left a life-enhancing impact on her.
Today, she remains good friends with one of our favourite futbolitas, Kay Murray who fronts the channel in Spain.
“Kay and I were great friends in Madrid and still are, she is my little futbolita soul mate and I am so proud of everything she has achieved out there. There are quite a few differences between the two Clubs, both are special in their own right and both go about their business very differently,” she explained.
“The main difference for me is the variation in the types of programmes I work on, at RMTV the focus was more on a reporting role, although I did host the channel’s flag ship show Real Madrid Life. With Liverpool I can either be working on news, documentaries, studio debates, nostalgic shows and much more.”
“I often get asked why I left that near-perfect existence in Spain for a new life in Liverpool and whilst I still get pangs of sadness at leaving my friends and job I am now working for the football Club I have supported since I was a little futbolita and now those emotions are replaced with utter pride at working for the Club I adore.
THE GLAMOUR
Like many who have walked through the majestic doors of the Bernabeu, Claire painted a picture of what working in the club was like.
“I lived the dream in Spain, Real Madrid is the exciting and glamorous Club we all believe it to be and I loved it. I was there during the Beckham, Ronaldo and Zidane era and it was a privilege to see some of the games greats in action,” she explained.
“The pinnacle of my time at RMTV came in 2007 when the whites won the league on the last game of the season I was the first journalist onto the pitch and managed to get an exclusive with Becks himself, that was all part of a mammoth broadcast which didn’t finish for me until 5am after I had filmed a piece at the players celebratory party.”
“That night was extra special for me because I already knew that I would be leaving the Spanish capital for pastures new- I had accepted a new job with LFC TV and would be returning home-it was a very emotional time, utter elation mixed with sadness.”
FASHION
As England Futbolita, it is no surprise then that Claire’s fashion preferences lean towards local fashion houses like Topshop.
Oh yes, say that again por favor – we could marry the place too!
“Yes! I am a high street girl at heart and love Topshop and unashamedly live in Primark. I am lucky that LFC TV gives me a free reign on what I want to wear on screen and I love the opportunity to develop my own style. I am a bit of a tomboy and struggle with heels but I am willing to suffer for my art!” she declared.
PASSION
Before ending the interview, Claire was quick to share several pointers with aspiring journalists.
“I think the best advice I could give would be to get as much work experience as you can. I was fortunate that I managed to get some great placements at University and as a result received invaluable advice and contacts,” she said.
“There are increasingly more opportunities out there for us girls and if all else fails beat the male opposition off with a stick!”
ALL PHOTOS © Claire Rourke
In the first photo, Claire is wearing the Futbolita-CultZeros World Cup Tee
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