We believe in supporting not only our clients but also our dedicated staff in their passions outside of work. One of our team members, Kirstie Marquis, who plays for Guernsey FC Ladies, embodies this balance of professional dedication and athletic achievement. We recently sat down with Kirstie to talk about her journey in football, the challenges of balancing work and sport, and the pride she feels representing both Guernsey and Channel Insurance Brokers. Here’s what she had to say.
A Football Journey: From Social Sessions to Guernsey FC Ladies
How did you first get into football, and what has your journey been like to become part of Guernsey FC Ladies?
I used to play football and futsal during my primary school years and played with the boys at Saints FC. But I most recently got involved in some social 5-a-side sessions in August/September last year, and come October, I was asked to go along to a GFCW training session. That led to becoming part of the overall training squad. It all happened very quickly and came as a bit of a shock!
What does it mean to you to represent Guernsey as part of the Ladies team?
It’s an honour and an achievement I am very proud of. I love representing my island and am happy to have been given the opportunity by the coaches.
Who is your biggest inspiration in football and why?
I suppose I would say the Lionesses. Their success had a huge inspirational impact on the growth and popularity of women’s football.
What are your goals for the upcoming season?
To make selection for the upcoming 2025 Island Games in Orkney.
Pre-match ritual: Do you have any pre-game routines or superstitions?
Don’t step on the sideline when walking out the tunnel!
Balancing Work and Sport: The Role of Channel Insurance Brokers
Do you find any skills or experiences from football that help you in your work at Channel Insurance Brokers as a Private Clients Broker?
Not specifically from football, just sport in general. But I would say teamwork, composure, responsibility, and commitment are a few skills that transfer well.
Has working at Channel Insurance Brokers supported your football journey in any way?
Yes, their sponsorship has been a huge help in enabling me to travel for matches.
Community and Personal Connections
How does it feel to have Channel Insurance Brokers as a sponsor, supporting both your career and sporting endeavours?
It is greatly appreciated, and I certainly couldn’t do as much of what I love—softball and football—without their support.
What message do you have for young girls in Guernsey who aspire to play football at a high level?
There is a great team on the island that dedicates themselves to making sure young girls can get involved in football, irrespective of age and ability. They run plenty of clubs and sessions that you can join! You do not need to have been playing your whole life to be considered for selection, and I am proof of that.
Supporting Local Talent at Channel Insurance Brokers
At Channel Insurance Brokers, we’re incredibly proud to support such dedicated and talented individuals, both in their professional lives and their sporting careers. Kirstie’s journey from casual football sessions to representing Guernsey FC Ladies shows the importance of community support and perseverance.
Keep an eye out for the 2025 Island Games in Orkney, where we hope to see Kirstie in action, proudly representing Guernsey—and Channel Insurance Brokers!