How I learned that where you come from doesn’t define you

My dream is to become a sports scientist working in the world of football alongside the coaches and their athletes.

This year I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to work alongside the AFC Wimbledon football academy as one of its performance analysts for work experience.

This was the chance I was waiting for and it has given me the opportunity to create links and contacts with other football clubs so that I can hopefully one day work with them once I graduate.

I take on this role in my free time alongside my studies which involves a lot of video analysis, stat reports and highlighting. It is time-consuming and requires a lot of commitment and dedication to not only the work but the club itself. 

Where I’ve come from

Looking back on where I was three years ago, taking my GCSEs, I was scared that I wasn’t even going to pass my English or PE course.

I have now, three years later, passed all my GCSEs, completed my college years leaving with a triple distinction star in sport and moved away from home on my own to fulfil my dreams.

I never would have thought I’d be this lucky to get these opportunities to be independent and find myself. 

Following my dreams to become a sports scientist

Moving from the coast to London was exciting and scary at the same time. But with the love and support of my family and friends, I couldn’t be more grateful for all they have done for me to be where I am now.

After living in London for a year, you realise not everyone comes from the same background. It’s nothing to be ashamed of.

I have had to work to get to where I am now. When people see where I come from compared to where others do, you wouldn’t think that someone like me with my background would be living in one of the richest cities in the country doing what I’m doing at 19. 

You can achieve anything

I want to tell people is that whether you are younger, my age or even older, don’t let where you live or what you’re worth stop you from chasing your dreams.

It’s a whole other world out there. Once you take that step on your own you will realise you are capable of achieving so much more than what you thought you could.

Read more: Lewes Football Club – flying the flag for equality in football

Women’s football: How I made a career out of the sport I love