My name is Scarlett and I am 15 years old. When I was 10, I told my mum I wanted to play football. Five years later, I now play football and futsal for three different teams, I’m a qualified referee, I’ve started coaching younger girls and I’m working towards my next steps in the game.
I don’t think the girl who first asked for a pair of football boots could have imagined all of that.
My mum bought me those first boots, and I still have them today. I quickly became obsessed with football. I loved playing, competing and improving, and before long, it had become much more than just a sport. It became a huge part of who I am.
Football has given me some amazing opportunities. I’ve competed in the Barcelona Cup, travelled to Sweden to play in the Gothia Cup and to Manchester to play against the USA national futsal team. Experiences like these have shown me how far football can take you, but they’ve also shown me how special it is to be part of a team.
When you’re part of a team, you build a special bond. You work towards the same goals, support each other when things get tough and celebrate together when things go well. You go through so much together, both on and off the pitch, and the friendships you make become about much more than football. Some of the friendships I’ve made through football are ones I know I’ll have for life.
A Day I’ll Never Forget
I was at Wembley on 31 July 2022 when England’s Lionesses beat Germany to win the UEFA Women’s EURO final. Watching England make history in front of more than 87,000 fans was an unforgettable experience. The Lionesses changed the history of women’s football that day. I got to witness it, to be part of that crowd and to see what happens when women are given the opportunity to show the world what they can do.
It was inspiring. It made me proud of the women’s game and excited about where it could go next. I want the next generation of girls to have even more opportunities than the generations before them not just to play football, but to coach, referee and lead.
That’s something I’d love to be part of.
Discovering the Other Side of Football
My journey in coaching began when I started volunteering during half-term’s as well as at summer football camps. I thought I was just lending a hand, but I soon discovered how much I enjoyed it.
One experience has really stayed with me. I was coaching the youngest group of players and teaching them how to volley a football. It took a while, and they needed plenty of practice, but eventually they started to get it. The best moment came during the matches at the end of the day, when one of the players I’d coached scored a volley. He went absolutely mad celebrating. Seeing his reaction was brilliant. Knowing something I’d taught him had helped him score gave me my first real experience of how rewarding coaching can be. That experience made me want to keep coaching. I’ve now started coaching the Wildcats at Billericay Town FC, and I’m excited about helping younger girls develop their skills and enjoy the game.
Giving Girls Something to Aim For
One of the things I really like about what Billericay is developing is the pathway from Wildcats through to the women’s first team. Having a clear pathway shows girls what they can achieve and that there is a future for them in the game. I think football needs more of these pathways. Girls shouldn’t have to wonder whether there will be a place for them as they grow up. They should be encouraged to dream big and be given opportunities to make those dreams possible.
I’m also developing my own skills as a referee. Becoming qualified has given me another way to be involved in football and a different understanding of the game. You see things from another perspective, learn to make decisions and develop confidence in yourself.
My team manager has secured funding for girls in our team to complete their FA Level 1 coaching qualifications. I can do this as soon as I am 16. I’m really grateful for that opportunity. I’ll also be able to complete my Introduction to Futsal Coaching award, and my futsal coach has offered to mentor and support me.
Having people who believe in you and are willing to help you develop makes such a difference. I know I have a lot to learn, but I’m excited to keep improving.
The Women Who Inspire Me
I’ve noticed that there still aren’t enough female coaches in football. I’ve only had one female coach myself, and that has made me appreciate how important female role models are. Two women in football I particularly admire are Lucy Bronze and Emma Hayes.
Lucy Bronze inspires me because of her mentality. She never gives up. She keeps pushing herself, works through challenges and has the attitude that nothing is going to stop her. I think that determination is just as important as talent. You won’t always get things right, and there will be difficult moments, but you have to keep going.
I’ve also been lucky enough to meet Emma Hayes, and I really admire the way she gets the best out of her players. She sets high standards while understanding that every player is different and needs support in different ways.
I think that’s what makes a great coach. You should challenge people and expect them to work hard, but you also need to understand them, support them and help them believe in themselves.
That’s the kind of coach I’d like to become.
Football, ADHD and Finding My Outlet
I have ADHD, and school can sometimes be challenging. Football gives me a release from all of that. One of the biggest challenges is that ADHD can sometimes be mistaken for not concentrating or trying, when in reality they may simply learn and process things differently.
When I’m playing, I can clear my mind and focus on the game and put my energy into something I love. Football gives me a positive outlet, goals to work towards and something to focus on when other parts of life feel difficult.
I’m also lucky to be surrounded by amazing coaches who recognise my needs and believe in me. They understand how I work, support me when I need it and encourage me to keep pushing myself. They inspire me every day, both as a player and as someone who wants to coach others.
Everyone learns in different ways and has unique strengths. Having ADHD doesn’t define what you can achieve, and coaching has shown me the importance of adapting support, being patient and never giving up on someone’s potential.
With ADHD Awareness Month, I think it’s important to talk about the things that help us thrive, not just the things we find difficult. For me, football and the people around me are a huge part of that.
Being Accepted in a Male-Dominated Sport
Football is still often seen as a male-dominated sport, which can create barriers for girls and women involved in the game. They may face assumptions about their ability or feel they have to work harder to be recognised. As a player, referee and coach, I’ve sometimes felt that people notice I’m a girl before they notice my ability.
However, the opportunities I’ve had, the people I’ve met, the friendships I’ve made and the confidence football has given me all matter much more. Girls and women shouldn’t have to prove they belong in football. They belong because of their passion, commitment and ability, just like anyone else.
What Comes Next and My Advice
I’m proud of how far I’ve come, but I don’t want to stop there. Football has given me confidence, enjoyment, opportunities and something to be passionate about. I’d love to help other girls experience the same.
You don’t need to have everything figured out or be the most experienced person in the room. Start by helping at a session, ask your club about opportunities or learn from someone who already does it. You might discover something you love that you hadn’t even considered before. And don’t think that being a girl means certain roles in football aren’t for you. We need more female coaches, referees and leaders, and there’s room for all of us.
For me, it all started with wanting to play. Now I want to help other girls enjoy the game, build their confidence, discover what they can achieve and experience the friendships and sense of belonging that come from being part of a team. If I can make even a small difference to another player’s journey, that would mean a lot to me.
Football isn’t just about the goals you score yourself. Sometimes, the best feeling comes from helping someone else score theirs and celebrating together as a team.
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