Redefining success: Women’s Medics Football
Inspired by the 2022 Women's European Championship, I was adamant that when I started at Imperial I would play football again. After having played mostly netball during my high school days, I reflected on my times playing football in primary school. Being one of two girls on the boy's football team, I learned from a young age to not let my gender limit what I could do – it also helped we were all the same height! Fast forward to the present, when I decided to run for club captain of IMWFC, I kept this same mentality. There were many areas the club could improve. And I wanted to make a change.
This year, I wanted to ensure that our small club of dedicated members grew, we had a better connection with our coach, and looked more like a team. I don't think we have ever lacked chemistry as a group of individuals, but we all collectively agree we struggled to translate that energy onto the pitch. But, after thinking that I could transform this club into a team that wins, I soon realised there was more to the club than results. It is a community.
Bias aside, the bond between members at IWMFC is second to none. The freshers; the external intercalating students – everyone who has joined us this year have slotted right in. And now, slowly but surely, the results are coming. After a series of defeats, we have turned a page in the second half of this season, starting with a seven all draw to a team that had been smashing others for fun. We play with a new sense of confidence; we communicate to each other constructively on the pitch, we defend as a solid unit, and we overwhelm defences with our attack. We no longer fear our opponents because we have faith in each other. We have community.
Since I was a fresher, this club was slandered by others, and it has insidiously seeped into our club's culture. Now, we no longer listen to the naysayers; we focus on how we can continue to reclaim IMWFC's mentality as our own and redefine who we are as a club. I believe this club has a new identity and we can't wait to show other teams who we are. In March, we take on Imperial College Women's Football in our annual Varsity fixture. We look forward to seeing you there!
