Player Profiles – Elena Reid

Personal Background

Elena originally came to Scotland in 1998 from Siberia, Russia to study. She fell in love, married, started a family and now lives in Nairn in the Highlands. She is chairperson of the Highland-Russia Connection charity, which promotes cultural links between Scotland and Russia. Right now the charity has an exhibition on Scottish culture which includes a display of paintings and Russian dolls, painted by artists of many nationalities living in Scotland. This is displayed, along with Scottish dress and a signed football donated by Celtic, as part of an exhibition at Kemerovo State University of Culture and Art. To find out more visit www.highlandrussia.org.uk/

Interest in Football

Elena has never previously played football.

“When I heard about Forest Pitch I thought it was a good chance to find out why so many people like this sport that I had never tried. I have found I like it and have been going out with my family to play in a field near our house.”

Forest Pitch

Despite living hundreds of miles from where the training sessions are taking place in Glasgow and from the Forest Pitch site near Selkirk, Elena was determined to get involved.

“This is such a great opportunity to be involved in the Cultural Olympiad, so I am really looking forward to the match.”