AFC Bournemouth Women’s central defender Amber Treweek has been outstanding this season. Her strong tackling, elite reading of the game and calming presence have led the Cherries to have only conceded two goals in the league campaign; 13 less than the second-best defence in the table.
The Cherries sit third in the league, in the National League South West Division One, only one point behind league leaders Swindon Town and second-place Moneyfields on 31 points, but the South Coast side have plenty of games in hand on those currently above.
Being born and raised in Poole, Amber is a lifelong Cherries fan and previously came through the ranks at Reading Academy. She then opted for a life-changing move to continue her football journey, all the way to the University of North Carolina, where she majored in criminal justice.
The America Years
In an exclusive interview with BUzz News, Amber recounted her early years in the states: “America was a good experience. I learned a lot about myself as person and studied out there and found a passion in what I study and I’ve continued that back here.
“I’m a big travel person, so I really enjoyed that aspect of it, but I spent two years before that living up in Reading as well, so I kind of built up myself up a little bit and then took a big leap. You don’t know till you try it, so I’m really pleased that I did it.
“Football-wise, it was a really good experience. It’s more athletic out there, so it taught me a lot about what we need to do away from the pitch, and that really helps when you’re playing.”
New season, new squad
The Cherries have had a lot of players both in out of the club in the last 12 months, when talking about the new signings Amber admitted: “I think the biggest change for us this season was that we brought in a lot of high level players and they’ve been all great additions to the team.”
Something that Treweek said had a knock on affect on the side’s tactics: “We changed shape as well, last year we traditionally back four, but this year, it’s a three so that was a slight adjustment for everyone. I think we’ve really taken to it as a team, and you can see from our goal difference now just how much it’s really helped us to go higher up the league.”
Upon being asked about whether the changes in the squad have seen her become more of a senior player Amber said: “I’d say the girls would definitely say I’m that way.
“I’m not a vocal leader, but I’d like to say the way I carry myself and the way I present myself on the pitch is very senior, even though I’m not as old as you might think, but I think it’s because I’m the tallest.”
The soon to be 22 year old, was a pivotal part of the side that saw them go unbeaten in the league last season despite not achieving promotion.
Briefly touching on the Bill Foley ownership and their ambitions with the club, Amber confessed: ” I think the of past year and a half, when they’ve taken us under the club, it’s really been a big step for us.
“And I think if we keep progressing as a team and focusing ourselves as a team and going up the leagues, it’s just going to get better and better and we don’t know how far it can go and that’s quite exciting!”
Getting the better of Manchester giants
Last Sunday, Steve Cuss’ side fought through heavy rain and high winds at the Ringwood 3G to the better of a very technical United side in the National League Plate semi-final. Beating the Red Devils 3-2, thanks to goals from Molly Barron-Clark, Ellie Stripple and Gemma McGuinness. Solidifying their position in the final against Cheltenham Town in April, with a venue yet to be confirmed for the clash.
Read the full match report here: https://buzz.bournemouth.ac.uk/2025/01/cherries-secure-their-place-in-the-national-league-plate-final/
Amber assessed that the side’s pressing strategy played into her strengths: “I thought the girls came out from the first minute with great intensity on the press and when they do that, it makes my job easy.
“The weather kind of made it very difficult for us but, we adapted well, and we tried to still play our way, and didn’t let the rain get in the way of our hard press, and that is a key part of our team.
“In possession, I thought we were really clinical as well. I think their keeper kept them in it and it could have been a different game but, we were really pleased with the result and excited for the final in April. The dressing room was buzzing afterwards.”
Up next: Keynsham Town
Bournemouth will travel to 5th place Keynsham Town in a league clash as they look to continue their unbeaten run in the league. The defender was all too aware of what could happen if the Cherries don’t take the game seriously: “I think they’re one of those sides that if we don’t turn up, they’ll catch us out. So we really need to be on the ball that day and raring to go from kickoff, just like we were against United here.
“So it’s really important just to get our foot in the game and get ahead as early as we can. And if that doesn’t happen, just keep pushing and hopefully don’t let them score.”
Read the full preview here – https://buzz.bournemouth.ac.uk/2025/01/afc-bournemouth-womens-aim-to-continue-flawless-league-campaign/
Amber and the squad will be once again gunning for promotion as the promised land of Southern Premiere Division could possibly lead to the club going fulltime and could lead to Amber reaching her dreams of one day becoming a processional footballer for the club she holds close to her heart.
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