From Player To Coach: What I Am Trying To Give Back Through DNA Girls Football

Football gave me so much growing up. From my early days playing locally, through advanced centres, academy environments and representative honours, the game helped shape who I became. It taught me discipline, resilience, confidence and how to work hard for something that mattered to me.

I was fortunate to experience a pathway that included youth opportunities with AFC Bournemouth, Southampton FC and Reading FC, as well as England South West Regional Talent Camps and captaining the England Schools Girls U15 National Team.

I am immensely proud of those experiences and grateful for everything they gave me. Looking back now, they also showed me how important the right environment and support can be in a young player’s journey.

Not every player gets the chance to be seen. Not every girl has access to quality coaching, positive environments or the support needed to build confidence. Sometimes, the difference between progressing and drifting away from the game is simply having the right people around you.

That is a huge reason why coaching means so much to me.

Through DNA Girls Football, the aim is to create opportunities that make a real difference. It is about providing high-quality coaching and positive environments where girls can improve technically, physically and mentally, while continuing to enjoy the game and build a lifelong love for football.

Every player should grow in confidence, believe in herself and feel that bigger pathways are possible. Whether a girl dreams of academy football, representing teams at higher levels, or simply becoming the best version of herself, every goal matters and every player deserves support.

With the opportunity to work with as many girls as possible, I also hope to have a wider impact on the local game. Supporting players alongside their teams can help raise standards, strengthen and grow squads, benefit local clubs and lift the overall level in the area.

DNA Girls Football is about far more than practices and sessions. It is about helping the next generation of girls have more belief, more support and more chances to thrive.

If my work can play even a small part in pushing the game forward locally, it would be something I would be truly proud of, and worth every minute of effort put into it.