Karina LeBlanc played over 100 games as Canada goalkeeper

The Olympic Bronze medallist now works as Head of Concacaf Women's Football

"I think it’s the best position on the field"

Women's football is going from strength to strength and it is thanks to positive forces like Karina LeBlanc that that is the reality. LeBlanc was an accomplished goalkeeper during her club and national team career but has now made it her career's mission to continue growing the women's game.

She serves as the Head of Concacaf Women's Football as well as holding other developmental roles, including being a FIFA Legend, an ambassadorial position geared towards empowering young girls and women to get involved with football.

With the announcement of two new awards for The Best FIFA Football Awards 2019, to be held on 23 September in Milan—the Women's Best XI and The Best Goalkeeper in Women's Football—who better placed to speak of the significance of the announcement?

FIFA.com caught up with the former Canada international goalkeeper to talk about the new awards for women's football and many other aspects about what it means to be a goalkeeper.

FIFA.com: What does this mean for the women’s game?

Karina LeBlanc: I think its huge, you’re continuing to see the game evolve. It’s going to be a challenge to pick a Best XI because I truly believe this World Cup is going to showcase the best players on the planet. I’m extremely excited with The Best Goalkeeper Award, and I am a little biased, but I think it’s the best position on the field. But for FIFA to take these steps, it really shows the direction we are going in the women’s game and the value they see in it. I think fans will be excited by this new announcement, as well as the players.

How much would it have encouraged you as a kid to see other women receiving these kinds of awards?

It's huge because when I was growing up, all my heroes were men’s players, so now you are giving more exposure and celebrating amazing play and rewarding all the hard work. The little girl at home in any part of the world dreaming of being a goalkeeper will have this award as part of her goals, which is huge. I think, again, it comes down to what we are doing to inspire the next generation, and I think awards like this bring clarity to it. It also rewards players who need that award, which is awesome.