Rainham teacher’s day job a ‘distraction’ from Chatham FA Cup tie

A PE teacher who is preparing to play in the fourth round of the Women’s FA Cup says she is using her work as a “distraction” from the match.

Amy Russ, a teacher at Rainham School for Girls in Kent, is hoping to play up front for Chatham Town when they host York City on Sunday in what is the furthest the club has ever been in the competition.

The 33-year-old said: “I feel like it’s a big distraction to be fair, coming to school, and it’s something I love.”

Chatham manager Keith Boanas, who won the Women’s FA Cup with Charlton, said: “To this group of players it’s probably the pinnacle, for some of them, of their careers so far.”

The club is expecting a record crowd for their match against York City, who are in the same league.

“You never know with a cup,” Russ said.

“We will try each round just to do our best.”

Boanas said it was a “winnable game” for his side.

“I think for every player this is absolutely massive,” he added.