This Girl Can.
Sport, for me, has always been such an important part of my life. It gave me the freedom to put all my energy into the activities I loved. Whilst I tried many sports growing up, football was always the one that stuck; maybe it was the bond created over a shared love for the game within my family, or the fact I had found something that gave me an absolute buzz, I just wanted get out and play. I competed many years in a Saturday league, being only one of three girls out of 15 teams, I definitely felt I had something to prove. My all-male teammate’s initial scepticism disappeared as I showed them that I wanted to be there and put my all into it, just as much as them.
Prior to coming to university, I had stopped playing for a few years, but taking a chance and re-joining the women’s team at Winchester, in my first year, was the best thing I have done. As someone who has always struggled with self-esteem, football has given me chance to become more confident and self-motivated within myself and my abilities. Football is the reason that I have created lasting connections with a team who share a similar passion, and through gaining a support network of likeminded girls, the past few years have been so fulfilling and enjoyable.
Football has also provided me with opportunities to get involved in things that I never would have before, including taking responsibility on a committee for a sport I love. My time as someone who came to Winchester shy and nervous changed through getting involved in sport, and gaining the confidence I needed, I ran for Social Sec and was successful for two years. Now, being a female Chair of the University’s Football Club and overseeing four men’s teams, and one women’s team, is a great opportunity for the girls to defy the stereotype that football is just for boys.
Off the field, playing sport and being a part of football still bares influence on my everyday life. The confidence boost it has given me shows, and the competitive drive pushes me in other aspects of my life. I feel, without a doubt, that I am a happier person within myself for regaining my passion for playing football. Through this sport and our sporting achievements, I have been able to push myself, try new things, make life-long friends, and improve my self-esteem from getting out there, being active and loving my hobby. I now feel I can tackle whatever’s thrown at me… Up the Geckos.
By Vickles
