One of the smaller players on the Halifax Xplosion of the Maritime Women’s Football League, Emily Armsworthy has the heart of a giant.

Playing with the courage of a lion, she graces the gridiron with determination and perseverance. Just like Erika Lawler in hockey and Danielle Matheson in soccer,Armsworthy excelled in her sport of choice despite sporting a smaller frame.

Compared to many of her peers, Armsworthy did not compete in organized sports as a child. Despite her size being a cause of concern for some, she still managed to remain active.

“Although I have virtually no background in organized sports, for some reason I always loved football. I grew up as a bit of a tomboy and loved to play games of touch football with other kids in the neighborhood. Aside from that, I never participated in organized sports as a child. My parents really did not encourage or support me developing an interest in sports. I think, mostly, because I have always been so small, and they thought a sports field really was not an appropriate place for me.”

Her interest in football truly germinated while she was a student at St. Francis Xavier University. With a strong athletic program, it did not take long for Armsworthy to become a part of the post-secondary institution’s sporting culture. Once involved, a chance encounter would transform her athletic aspirations.

“While attending university at St. Francis Xavier, I had the opportunity to work with the X-Men football team as a manager. My interest in football really grew from there. The previous manager of the team, Laurel MacInnis, a former Xplosion and Team Canada player, told me about the Halifax Xplosion women's football team.”

Although her first exposure to the Halifax Xplosion brought with it a degree of nervousness, it would not take long for Armsworthy to feel like she had found a home in the MWFL. Despite measuring only five feet, Armsworthy quickly discovered a unique aspect to women’s tackle football: There was a spot to accommodate athletes of every size.

Wearing number 1 on her jersey, Armsworthy is not afraid to clash with larger players (Image obtained from Facebook)

“After graduation, I moved to Halifax to begin my career and decided to check out the team Laurel had told me about. I was nervous, as I had never been part of a sports team before, let alone a full tackle football team. Standing at 5'0" and about 110 pounds, it was pretty intimidating at first!

“I guess that's part of the best thing about the sport of football. There is a spot on the field for every size and type of athlete, from your lineman types, right down to the generally smaller and more agile defensive backs, running backs and receivers. In no other sport do you see such a diverse set of athletes.”

In similarity to the Western Women’s Canadian Football League, it is not uncommon that several of the MWFL’s rookie competitors enter the sport with little or no experience playing the game. Despite the greenness, Armsworthy is quick to acknowledge how the patience of the coaching staff and the welcoming nature of her new teammates transformed her raw talent and desire to compete into a successful career.

“Now, I look back at that decision to try out something new and join the team. Despite my lack of size and experience, it is one of the best decisions I have ever made. The coaches really got me up to speed quickly. With help from teammates and veteran players, I was able to perform well in my first season and really gain the confidence I needed to succeed as a player and teammate.”

Said confidence would pay remarkable dividends for the Xplosion. Having joined the franchise in 2011, every season has resulted in an MWFL All-Star selection. Playing with great bravery, Armsworthy's valiant efforts on the gridiron resulted in being recognized as the Xplosion’s Most Valuable Player on defense, respectively.

“In my first two seasons with the Xplosion, I was honored and humbled to receive the league's recognition as a selection to the All Star team both years. Another incredible feeling was being named by my own team as Defensive MVP in the 2012 season. It was great to also be one of the few women to receive recognition from Football NovaScotia in 2013.”

“It feels amazing, especially as a new player, to be recognized by the league and my team in these ways. It is hugely surprising to me as there are so many great players in our league! As I head into my third season in the MWFL, I hope to build on my successes thus far and do what I can to help my team achieve our first ever championship title.”

A great source of pride for Armsworthy is the ability to compete during the MWFL’s milestone 10th anniversary season. Her inspiring play and remarkable motivation embody the competitive spirit of the growing league. As the first women’s tackle football league in Canada, the anniversary season has resulted in sponsorships with Papa John’s Pizza (a sponsor of football in the United States) and Maritime breweryMoosehead.

“This is only my third season in the