Paula

Growing up, my family encouraged and inspired me to play football, especially my sister, who was my role model. My siblings and I played in our garden, where we had our own football goal post.

I joined a club for the first time at the age of four. At that time, my friend and I were the only female footballers and that's how we were treated. Most of the time, the focus was on the male football players. We were barely noticed. During matches, we were allowed to play, but we were not in action for long. I was a centre-back at the time, a role that didn't really suit me as I am better in attacking Midfielder. We were good enough for PR at the time due to the lack of female players. I can remember at the age of five, I was in the local newspaper.

I stayed in the club until the age of 10 and had to decide whether I wanted to continue playing or not. Coming from a small village, the nearest women's football club was in the next city. Due to how far I would have to travel, I stopped playing. Even though I didn't play actively in a club, I remained faithful to football. I applied for a student internship at my favourite club and received it! This club has brought me a lot of joy. Through it I have connected to other football fans and have learnt more about the history of the game. My perception of the game changed when I met a female football player from the club. I could asked her all my question about football. She showed me that they are also just ordinary people.

Before moving to London, I played in a few tournaments where I scored some goals. As fun as it was, I noticed that it wasn't the same as being a part of a club/team. During my A-levels, I found it really frustrating that I couldn't choose football as a sport. Being a female you have to actively be a part of a club. This rule annoyed me, so through an act of rebellion, I decided to play again.

Coming to London, I set out to find a football club. Through my research, I found Brockwell United FC. This team has made me feel so comfortable. I even wrote to my mum to send me my lucky football boots so that I would be ready for the next match. Although I lost my first game, I gained so much joy and team spirit. I'm happy to be back on the pitch again.

Throughout the years, I have been working with people who have disabilities. Together, we play football and I try to teach them some football techniques. When I see the smiles on their faces and knowing everyone is having fun, it reinforces that football is the right thing for me to do with my spare time.