DARTFORD FC WOMEN | CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET EMILY WOODHOUSE

Last weekend saw Dartford host Cheshunt at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dartford FC Women’s Emily Woodhouse featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article:

SECTION ONE

Emily Woodhouse is in her third season with Dartford FC Women, although her first campaign saw her only make one appearance on the substitute bench.

Since then, though, the right-footed midfielder has cemented her place within Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy’s side, making the number twenty shirt her own.

Last season saw Emily make 25 appearances in all competitions, with nine of them in the starting eleven. She also chipped in with four goals in a successful campaign for the ladies. This season has seen her make ten appearances so far, five of which have been starts.

Emily scored her first goal of the season in the recent game against Sport London E Benfica, where she pounced on a mistake by the goalkeeper to smash home the Darts’ third goal in an emphatic 7-0 thrashing!

Our conversation over WhatsApp actually took place the previous weekend, whereby the ladies beat London Seaward 5-1. Emily started that game as well, and was obviously buzzing afterwards…

“I’m really well thanks Chris. Maybe a little sore after the weekend, but it’s all worth it to secure another crucial three points!”

She continues, “I honestly love playing for this team. We are more than just a team, we’re a family. All families have ups and downs, but the important thing is that you know they’re always there for each other. And, that’s what makes us different to other teams.”

Is that why she re-signed for this season?

“Well, we had a great season last year. The fact that we have added new players to add to the competition and quality of the squad has made the team a really exciting and vibrant place to be.

“As I said, I love this team and have loved being a part of the project over the last two seasons. Every year, we have set ambitious goals and everyone is always working hard together to achieve what’s best for the team. For me, it was a no-brainer. There was never any risk of some last minute transfer business!”

She continues, “My hope is to be a part of the best Dartford team, and to play my part in the team winning the league. I also hope that this team continues to inspire young girls to get involved in the sport, as it’s the best sport around!”

It certainly is! As Emily has mentioned young girls, let’s take a little journey back and discover how her own journey in the sport began.

Like many girls her age, football wasn’t “available”, so she started playing in a boys team when she was seven. She was the only girl in the league and she started playing because, “…my brother wasn’t a natural footballer and I wanted to show off to my Dad.”

“It’s so funny looking back at what I had compared to what the girls have now Chris. What I’d do to be a 13-year-old girl now, with all the opportunities there is out there and, also, the fact it’s now cool to be a female playing football!”

Yes, it’s funny how the world can change. From playing within a boys team, Emily got scouted at a boys football tournament by Southampton. However, she couldn’t commit at the time unfortunately, so ended up playing for fun on the weekends while enjoying her other sports, such as athletics. She then took a break from the beautiful game, before returning in her twenties.

“I always promised my uncle that one day I’d go back to playing football. Sadly, he passed away, but that was the motivation I needed to ensure I kept my promise to him. When my partner heard the news, he bought me some football boots and I’ve never looked back.”

Emily continues, “I signed for Basingstoke FC, which was a great opportunity to get back into the game. I had some successful times there, before transferring to Winchester FC. I enjoyed league success there and started developing more as a player. Finally, I signed for Dartford FC Women, where I’ve enjoyed cup success, FA Cup runs, and being in one of the top teams in the league year after year.”

Does Emily think things would have been different if academy football had been available to her?

“Of course. Academy football is a great way to develop your game, as well as help in achieving that next step. But, as we discussed, it’s great nowadays to see so many girls playing at all levels of the game.

“I’d be lying if I didn’t think about being a professional player. But also, I didn’t really know how to go about it back in the day. So, I decided early on that being a PE Teacher was my route and I just played football because I love it. I still love it as much today as I did when I first kicked a ball over into our neighbours garden! I’m happy. In fact, I’m always happy. I take every day as it comes. Do I wish I’d pushed myself harder earlier? Of course. But I have absolutely no regrets Chris.”

As she has mentioned, Emily works as a PE Teacher outside of football…. “Is there a life outside of football? Hahaha, Hahaha…! Just kidding. Yes, I have a very busy life. I work hard. I’m also the Head of Year Nine, so I’m very lucky to have a job where I can get to help, inspire, and mould the next generation.

“When I’m not working, I’m running around trying to see my family and friends. I moved from Hampshire, so I do enjoy popping back to the sticks to see my family and friends. When I’m not doing that, I’m either sipping a coffee in a London coffee shop, or trying to sip a cocktail somewhere exotic, as I love to travel.”

Surely her day job must keep Emily fit and healthy, as well as help her with her general wellbeing?

“Oh Chris, that is me! Fitness has always been a passion of mine. Being a PE Teacher means that I have to practice what I preach! As a player, we also train twice a week as a team, where we work on our fitness, matchday tactics, and key skills.

“Additionally, I do some weight conditioning twice a week, and I have a dedicated day for my aerobic capacity. I’ve recently started doing cross-fit at CrossFit Twenty Three, which I’m finding to be a really enjoyable challenge.”

She continues, “For me, being active not only helps me to perform on the pitch, but also helps me to feel mentally good in myself. I love sport and fitness, and I believe strongly that it is also a great way to meet people, build resilience, and also help de-stress from whatever life throws at you.

“It can be tough at times, and some weeks, my body does scream at me to rest. But, I know how good I feel by keeping active and playing football. Having said that, as I’ve matured, I have realised that it’s important to listen to your body and take time to rest. That means I sometimes just go for a walk or, when I’m really lucky, get a nice massage.”

Of course, it’s not just the physical side of things that’s important. The mental side is equally as important, if not more so. And, Emily is all too aware of this as well…

“Absolutely. I find that showing gratitude and love to the people around me keeps my mind at ease. I’m so grateful for the life I have. Life is short, you’ve got to just enjoy every moment and be thankful for the people who allow you to do it.”

Positive words from this positive person. And that sums up Emily Woodhouse. She’s positive, but with a clearly loving and encouraging personality. In amongst that there’s a steely determination, as well as a delightful sense of humour. She’s a people person who holds her family and friends close to her heart… a love of which extends to the Dartford faithful…

“I love you all. Your support means everything to me and all the players. When I’m playing and I hear the voices from the side of the pitch, it helps me to run that little bit harder, head that ball a little better, and tackle even bigger!! Please do keep coming to our games and show your support. We promise to keep putting in our best performances.”

SECTION TWO

Faith or Superstition?
Faith.

Favourite Food?
I eat everything and it tastes even better if I don’t have to cook it!

Favourite Drink?
Fruit Shoot has to be blackcurrant, if anyone’s ever buying!

TV Series or Film?
TV series, I struggle to sit through a film.

Music or Podcast?
Music. I’m an amazing karaoke star… I’ve been told!

Sporting Hero?
As a proud Manchester United fan as child, it was Ryan Giggs. What he did on the pitch was incredible. But off the pitch, I think what the Williams sisters have done for raising the profile of female sport and showing that sport is for everyone is incredible.

Non-Sporting Hero?
My parents, they made me who I am today and I think they did a pretty good job.

Do you follow any other sports besides football?
I would love to say I do, but football is life and I just don’t have time for anything else. However, I’ll always love a day out at any sporting event.

Biggest influence in the dressing room?
Honestly, we are one big family and we all have our roles, from the hair dressers, music pickers, to the back up dancers. But, it has to be Lizzie (Adams). She has everything you need in a team mate. She inspires me to be better every week.

What football players, past or present, would make up your dream five-a-side team?
Mary Earps (PSG) in goal. Then flat out attack with…
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
Wayne Rooney (ex-Manchester United)
David Beckham (ex-Manchester United)
Ryan Giggs (ex-Manchester United)

By Chris Palmer

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