Christmas is upon us and it is the time of year where family start asking what you would like to receive on Christmas day. Players it is time to start thinking about replacing those items you wear every training session that are starting to fall apart, family members of players why not treat the player to something that is going to help them not just this current season but future seasons too. Today's post is one packed full of ideas from stocking fillers to those more expensive items the player might be holding off buying. Finding the right gift can be hard work but for a player who spends most of their days doing something football related you can't go wrong with these ideas...

Shin pads

Shin pads aren't always the first thing you think of when sending someone a gift however, it is one that most players would probably be grateful for as their current ones might be years old and starting to stink. There are plenty of options out there for every price point when it comes to shin pads but why not do something a bit more personal for the player and surprise them with some personalized shin pads? They could simply be there name & number or even have some of their favourite pictures on them, it just makes the gift that little bit more unique.

Calendar for fixtures

Now this is one that is not only great for the player but the rest of the family too as it can be hung for everyone to see. Having a calendar hung with all the fixtures and training sessions on just means there is no confusion leading to double booking or even turning up at the wrong place at the wrong time. If there are multiple players in the family why not get a family calendar with multiple columns for each player broken into times so there is no confusion over where everyone is meant to be and lifts can be arranged if needed so no one misses out on game day.

Grip Socks

Grip socks have really taken over in the world of football and the majority of players these days are seen wearing them with sock sleeves or the feet of their club socks cut out. They stop your feet sliding around in your boot and just provide a fit that a club sock might not, I know I personally prefer grip socks over normal ones as I just feel that bit more secure. These would be the perfect stocking filler for any player and if you check out GripSockz and use the code EDGEOFTHEAREA20 you can get some money off your order.

Team merchandise

Most teams these days have their own merchandise so why not get the player kitted out in their clubs colours whether it is for day to day wear, training or pre-match. Typically clubs offer hats, t-shirts and hoodies so why not see what the club offers and pick up a few pieces for the player. Not only are you helping the player represent their club you will also be helping the club as the funds will no doubt go to them.

Training wear

If the player doesn't have a specific training kit they have to wear a nice shirt and shorts set might help them head into the second half of the season with a bit more confidence. Alternatively if the player heads to the gym outside of football training a nice set for this will come in handy and just give them something different to wear rather than wearing the clubs training kit every session.

Massage gun

Now this is a great idea especially for us older players who might ache the day after games or training sessions however, it would also be great for those constantly training. There is nothing worse than waking up with your legs aching when you know you are going to be training again the next day. A massage gun can be used post game/training session to loosen those muscles and try reduce the intensity of the aches and pains. Massage guns used to to cost an absolute fortune but these days you can pick them up at various prices.

Care package

A little care package would be nice especially if a player is out injured. It could be filled with treats, books or things to simply help pass the time on the sidelines until they are recovered, a little basket filled with all the players favourite things would be sure to brighten up their Christmas. For those still playing it could be filled with novelty but useful bits such as plasters, deep heat, hand warmers and hot drinks sachets just for them to keep in their bag throughout the remainder of the season.

Medical supplies

If you don't fancy going down the care package routine and fancy some stocking fillers for the player when not pick them up some medical supplies that they can keep to hand seen as knocks are part and parcel of the game. There are a few different bits that any player would be happy to be stocked up on such as heat packs, deep heat, deep freeze, plasters of all kinds and even bandages, if the player usually has energy gels in a game these could also be used as a stocking filler.

Boot buddy

There is nothing worse than muddy boots so a Boot Buddy or any other boot cleaner would definitely help out any player you are purchasing for. Here in the UK you never seem to be able to escape the mud and if left it just makes a real mess of your boots which are too expensive to get ruined these days. The Boot Buddy is a really inexpensive gift that can make cleaning those boots a whole lot easier than using the standard products. This is definitely going onto my own Christmas wish list.

Boot bag or Kit bag

All these new items need somewhere to live so why not treat the player to a new boot bag or kit bag that is big enough to store everything in. Again you can possibly get a team bag or Nike & Miss Kick have some great options to cover all basis. These will vary in price so it depends what type you are after but a new bag for the new year would be great for the player heading into the second half of the season as it isn't always something the player would think of upgrading themselves.

New boots

Possibly the most obvious gift idea is a pair of new boots to go into the second half of the season with a nice fresh pair. Boots have definitely shot up in price but you can find them at a mixture price points so there is something for every budget. What player doesn't want to open a fresh pair of boots at Christmas? Just make sure you know what surface they are needed for.

So there you have it that is our women's football player gift guide, check back next week to see our fans gift guide with plenty of ideas for those who love to spend their time watching the game. There are plenty of options to treat the footballer in your life to at various price points whether it is a stocking filler or a main gift there is something for everyone. If you play football what would you love to receive this Christmas?

Here we are back with another 'In conversation piece' but this time it is a little bit more special as it is with our first full professional footballer and it is a player we have enjoyed watching in the WSL. Just before the start of this season we were given the amazing opportunity to sit down and have a chat with Everton's Emily Ramsey. 

In the chat we got to know more about her experiences growing up and being a part of some of the big clubs from a young age. It was great to get to know about a player who has a lot of potential in the future and is putting in some great performances even at a young age. Ramsey is only 23 years old but has already played and trained along side some brilliant players whilst also seeing first hand how the women's game has developed since she first signed a professional contract. So here is how our chat with Emily Ramsey went...

EOTA : What made you want to be a keeper in first place, it's obviously not many peoples 1st pick for positions?

ER : Yeah I always just had a love for it from when I was really young and I used to play with my dad & my brother. I used to play with like the little sponge ball when I was tiny (about 4 or 5). 

When I decided I wanted to play for a team so went down to the one my brother used to play for (Deans),  it was a boys team who were a year old than me and they basically said I couldn't play unless I went in goal. I already kind of liked it so I thought OK why not I'll give it a shot & loved it. I was in net again the next year and then year after I went to United as a 'keeper and literally never looked back.

EOTA : So typical case back then of the only way of being on the boys team?

ER : Yeah shoved in because I am a girl but it worked out though

EOTA : With Mary Earps being in the news more often do you think it is going to spur more girls on to start taking that path of being a 'keeper?

ER : Yeah definitely I think Mary's been a massive role model for me and a lot of young 'keepers. I think we've really seen it over the past couple of years with the success shes had with the lionesses and with United you really see people coming down to games with an Earps shirt on and as a 'keeper its rare that happens, your family might wear a goalie shirt but they are normally the only ones. 

But I think that its really inspiring to see that Mary's really caught the attention of young girls and she is going to bring a next generation through that are going to want to be goalkeepers. Like I just said about me it was more I got shoved in net and found out that I loved it, it wasn't a decision on I am going to be a goalkeeper and my role models were all male and I think it is just really inspiring for those young girls to have role models like Mary and the other keepers coming through that they can look up to and try follow in the foot steps of. 

EOTA : Obviously you've been at big clubs like United and under great 'keepers like Earps & now Brosnan what sort of things do they teach you?

ER : I think it is really important for me like especially throughout my career to take little things from everyone that I have worked with and just sort of be a sponge and soak up information. Obviously it is important the coaches you work with too, I've worked with a lot of really good goalkeeper coaches and taken a lot from them and I sort of found my own style from blending different things and trying different things . 

The first big goalkeeper I worked with was Siobhan Chamberlain and I learnt a lot from her, a lot of things that worked for me and a lot that didn't, its sort of a trial and error process. Then obviously working with Mary under Wilko (who is the goalkeeper coach at United), he is brilliant. Then you find out other things too, like as a goalkeeper everyone is different with different styles, I have a different physique to some 'keepers so what works for Mary might not work for me but just sort of watching things in training more than anything asking questions, I am not afraid to ask questions in training but I think just when you are rotated out and just watching seeing what they do and trying it for yourself helps. Same with Courtney now I think we are very open and honest in training with our discussions of well I did this and it worked for me and in this situation this is what helped me to make that save etc... and I think that's whats really put us both in a good position of last season of both playing well and getting the success because we were so open in terms of how we were going to improve.

EOTA : Obviously there is always talk of the goalkeeper union, that must be like a little pact you've got going on?

ER : Yeah it is true like you spend every day as a small group of people they may just be 3 or 4 of you every single day on the training pitch and you've got to learn how that dynamic works and I think it creates this little bubble of we are friends, yeah we are competing against each other but we are also friends and we are going to find out what makes the environment so successful, how we can improve it and how we can keep that intensity in a session. So you've got to get on with your 'keepers and look out for your 'keepers and I think that is really important. I have trained on my own before and it is rubbish so its important to have those people around you.

EOTA : You've signed now for Everton full time what were the thoughts behind that leaving United and moving across?

ER : I wanted to play, I think realistically looking at United with Mary I wasn't going to get the opportunities I wanted so I knew from last season that wasn't maybe the path I wanted to go down. Then obviously I had a really enjoyable year last year with Everton, played a good amount and was hoping for more but unfortunately I got an injury. But I think I really found a level within myself that I was happy with and I was performing well. I got called up to England and I felt happy in the environment too, it's such a welcoming club and with the new manager the ambition of the club is really good and I just felt that the direction we were moving in off the back of last season into this season was just really positive and I wanted to be a part of it and try for this season to be more successful. 

EOTA : Obviously Everton have had a dip in recent seasons but are starting to rise back up again what do you think your addition can bring to the club?

ER : Yeah obviously a couple of years ago they had their struggles with a lot of different managers and the squad didn't seem so settled but coming in last year like we have a great environment and we are always learning & looking to improve. We obviously have the new direction of Brian Sorensen as well so it has been really positive for us and I think looking at this year its only going to go up the direction of the club, plus we've got good signings in. I was here last year so its been easy for me to in bed into it but all of the girls we've brought in have really fit in to the group well and are really good footballers but more importantly they are really good people and its only going to help our team environment. 

EOTA : You mentioned earlier about football inspirations and that they were really all male so who was your biggest footballing inspiration?

ER : It was Edwin Van der Sar, that was like my era. Growing up I loved football and as a young kid I was football mad. My family are all massive United fans so I was watching United and that is when Van der Sar was in net and he was just unreal. I remember my cousin got me a United shirt for my birthday and it was the Van der Sar shirt, the blue goalie one with white across and Van der Sar on the back. I loved it so much that I didn't take it off for like 2 weeks, I used to sleep in it and everything. I loved it because I had never had my own United shirt before either, I always just got hand me downs off my brothers and sister so I just thought it was the best thing ever. So Van der Sar was a massive one for me. I was just moving to United at the time, I was a 'keeper and I just looked up to him so much he was incredible. 

EOTA : So if you had to pick from the women's game as well do you have any inspirations from there?

ER : I think the first 'keeper I ever saw from women's football and thought WOW was Hope Solo, I remember the first world cup I ever watched was the one in Canada. Then around that same time was KB (Karen Bardsley),  as well as Shiv (Siobhan Chamberlain), who obviously I used to see and look up to and then I got the chance to play with her. But I would say first is Hope Solo but then probably KB then Shiv. 

I was still young when I got to work with Siobhan and then I got to play with Mary (Earps) and those players I will always say have a big impact on my career but from being younger and seeing it i would prob's say KB (Bardsley) is also a big inspiration.

EOTA : The women's game is not really full time at all levels yet so if wasn't in top flight and was in a lower level semi pro team with a job what do you think you would be doing?

ER : As a job on the side? I think I would probably be working in the police, because that is what both my parents did, they used to work in like CSI forensic science stuff and I always found it really interesting. So I reckon I would probably just have followed in their footsteps and gone down that path which still sounds like a pretty good job to be fair. I am glad I just don't have to explore those options right now. 

EOTA : So last question the WSL now has designated away ends. What do you think it will mean having those fans behind you if they get behind the goals each away day?

ER : I think its a really big step actually in terms of creating that fan culture in women's football. I think we've had a lot of progress with the Lionesses as it has inspired a lot of kids so you get a lot of families coming to games. But I also think that some clubs like Everton are really good too at leading the way at bringing almost the same environment as at men's football and bringing it to the women's game. The chants, competition and rivalry you see at Walton Hall Park are great... there's chants there's football songs and just enthusiasm from the fans and I think that is a big step for women's football to take as its a family sport like 'what a good day out' which is great because we get to inspire the girls but also for us on the pitch if you feel that passion from the fans it gives you something else.

I remember the first derby last year at Anfield, the Everton fans you could hear all game louder than the Liverpool fans and we went on & played great and performed on the pitch with the backing of them fans. I think it is something United are good at too with their fans, Arsenal are good too and I think it is going to create a better atmosphere for even away games as we will go to away games and you will get stick from the home fans or hear your fans backing you in a tough moment and i think its just something that for me is really exciting if women's football can develop that.

EOTA : Like you say it should pick up that atmosphere we've been to games in the past when it has more or less been silent, you can hear the players more than fans

ER : Its cos your a city fan (after seeing the signed shirts in the back ground) 

EOTA : Believe it or not its not actually City, we have United season tickets and watch anyone really (laughing) 

ER : OK I can't say anything about that then can i (whilst laughing ). The dedicated areas definitely help with the atmosphere though as it just makes the fans louder.

We then ended the conversation with a little game of this or that for a little bit of fun and this is how it went...

EOTA : Save a last minute penalty or go up and score a last minute goal?

ER : (After a bit of thinking) er penalty, last minute save. 

EOTA: Night game or early game?

ER : Early game, I don't like waiting around. 

EOTA : This seasons Everton home or away kit?

ER : Home the away outfield I am not a fan of.

EOTA : Finally plain gloves or bright gloves?

ER : Bright, I like to see my hands and feel like I look good. All whites the best though. 

So there you have it that is our conversation with Everton's Emily Ramsey, granted we have seen since this interview took place a mixed bag of fortune for Everton with them only just really starting to find their feet in the season however, we are looking forward to seeing how the rest of the 23/24 season progresses for both Emily and the club. 

Thank you to Emily Ramsey & Everton for making this chat possible, who would have thought 4 years ago when this site first started we would be getting to chat to players from the English top flight? Who would you like to see us chat to next?

Aston Villa 0 - 6 Chelsea

Villa's poor start to the season continued on Saturday when they were knocked for six by Chelsea. Villa started the game strong but once Chelsea's first goal went in it was a case of not being able to contain them and Chelsea weren't holding back. Chelsea had 6 different goal scorers in total including captain Millie Bright who scored the first goal on her 250th appearance for the club. It was nice to see a mixture of scorers for the team however, something needs to change at Villa 5 games and 0 points is not what anyone expected to see.

Arsenal 2 - 1 Manchester City

Arsenal got a late winner in their big clash against Manchester City to bring them level on points with City at the end of week 5. Arsenal took the lead through Catley however, City pulled a goal back when Kelly found the back of the net. Arsenal took home all 3 points after a late goal from Blackstenius. Arsenal may have taken home all 3 points but the standout performer for us was City's young 'keeper Keating who saved a Little penalty and overall put in a fantastic performance, she is certainly going to be one to watch as at a young age she is already doing really well.

Tottenham 1 -1 Everton

I think it is safe to say Tottenham are doing really well this season even with captain England out through injury. Manchester United loanee Grace Clinton found herself on the score sheet for Tottenham once more and it looked like Spurs were going to hold on for all 3 points but a penalty converted by Galli in the 85th minute for Everton saw the points shared. The draw sees Tottenham sat 3rd on goal difference, which I don't think many of us expected and Everton's point sees them moving a bit further from the drop zone.

Liverpool 2 - 1 Leicester 

Liverpool got back to winning ways with a victory over Leicester. Lawley gave Liverpool the lead in the 48th minute but Leicester found themselves level in the 57th minute through a Goodwin equalizer. Liverpool finally retook the lead in the 84th minute through Hobinger and managed to hold the lead for the remainder of the game. The win leaves Liverpool in 4th on goal difference again a position I don't think many of us fans expected to see them in.

West Ham 2 - 3 Bristol City

An influx of goals within the first half and an early one in the second half saw Bristol City finally get their first points of their return to the top flight. West Ham took the lead in the 27th minute through a Asseyi penalty but in the 32nd minuted Bristol drew level with a goal from Thestrup. In the 37th minute Florence Powell got Bristol's second goal and it looked like they were going into the break in the lead until in the 3rd minute of first half added time West Ham brought the scoreline level once more with a goal from Ueki. The score didn't stay level for long though as in the 55th minute Aspin put Bristol back in front once more. They managed to see the game out at 3-2 and the points move them away from the drop zone and will no doubt give them a confidence boost going into next weekends round of games.

Brighton 2 - 2 Manchester United

The final game of the weekend definitely had you on the edge of your seats. Manchester United just didn't look like their usual selves from the get go and Brighton weren't sitting back for this game. Sloppy play from United led to plenty of Brighton chances and they finally capitalised on them in the 30th minute when Terland gave Brighton the lead. United just didn't look like they were going to get back into the game but a spectacular Toone strike brought the score line level in the 78th minute. Both teams kept on pushing for a winner and it looked like Brighton had got it when Bergsvand headed the ball home in the 89th minute. It looked like all 3 points were staying with Brighton however, when the official held up the board for added time United seemed to kick things into gear a bit. It all looked over and done with until a brilliant corner found Williams in the 98th minute and she brought United level once more. Points might have been shared on the day but you can't help but think Brighton deserved all 3 points and United were just lucky.

Match week 5 was certainly a great one and it was nice to have the league back after the International break. This week though we are treated to both Continental cup action and League action with two trips to the Leigh Sports Village for us. It is bound to be another great week for women's football. 

What was your favourite game this weekend?