Last weekend saw Dartford host Cray Valley PM at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dartford FC Women’s Shauni Griffiths featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article:
SECTION ONE
Shauni Griffiths is a name that everyone associated with Dartford should be aware of. The 31-year-old winger oozes positivity, technique, pace, and an eye for goal, all of which make her a deadly player to come up against. With her creativity abilities, she’s also one of the first names to be listed on Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy’s weekly teamsheet, as Dartford FC Women challenge for honours on a regular basis.
The player, who always has an infectious smile on her face whenever you see her, has also reached the 50-goals mark for the Darts, an achievement that she was deservedly rewarded for by Chairman Steve Irving recently.
And, as usual, her positivity and sense of humour was on display as we sat down for a chat…
“I’m great thanks Chris, hope you are too. I’m not ready for this cold weather yet though! I’m really enjoying life here with the club, we’ve added some great additions both on and off the pitch this season. I’m looking forward to the rest of the season, as this is a great club to be a part of.”
Was it an easy decision to remain at the club?
“Yes, it was. I’ve been here for five seasons now and, to be honest, it was a no-brainer to re-sign and remain here for this campaign. It’s like one big family here at Dartford, and I’m really enjoying being part of that family. It’s a great team to be a part of. Obviously, our ambition is to win the league this year, as well as have more good runs in the cup competitions we’ve entered into.”
As Shauni has mentioned, she has been with the Darts for five years now. Where did her football journey begin?
“I started playing for a local Dartford team called Cobras when I was young. I remember my first game very well because, they put me in goal and I conceded three goals! In the second-half, I was placed higher up the pitch and scored a goal! That’s when I definitely knew I wasn’t going to be a goalkeeper! Hahaha!”
From there, Shauni went on to Charlton Athletic’s Centre of Excellence. She represented the Addicks at U10 level but, “I hated it there because of a bad manager.”
It wasn’t long before she left and joined Long Lane, where she was scouted by the Millwall Lionesses. “Yes, that’s right Chris. I joined the Millwall U12s and made my way through their Centre of Excellence. I made it into the First Team too.”
She continues, “I honestly think that being in the Centre of Excellence helped me to grow as a player. However, I also had one manager who told me that I wouldn’t make it to the First Team level, which really knocked me back. But, I proved her wrong of course!”
She did indeed. Her career then took her across the pond, where she played for Laramie County Community College in Wyoming, USA, before she returned to England to play for Whyteleafe. Her journey then brought her to Dartford where, of course, she remains. Is she happy with how her playing career has progressed?
“Of course, I would have loved to have become a professional player, but that wasn’t an option when I was growing up Chris. There wasn’t many full-time teams around that paid female footballers. It has become so big now though, and there are so many more opportunities in the game today, but… I mean… I’m too old for it now! Hahaha!’
She continues, “I wish there had been more opportunities available when I was growing up, but I’m happy with my career. Even the setbacks I’ve experienced have made me the player I am today. The only regret I maybe have is that, when I went to America on a scholarship, I wish I’d done it when I was a bit younger. You see, I went out there when I was 21. If I’d have done it when I was 19, I’d have been able to experience the full four years rather than just the two.”
Regardless of the past, things have turned out very well for this right-footed winger. She has found her home here at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park, and is enjoying life both on and off the pitch. What does the future look like for Shauni?
“Thinking about the future is scary, but exciting Chris. Obviously, I want to play football for as long as I can… I’m (recently) 31 now, so I’m getting on…! But, as I previously told you, me and my fiancé are getting married in August 2025 in Turkey (huge congratulations to you both!), so that’s very exciting. Maybe there might be a mini ‘Shauni’ running around sometime in the future too… who knows!”
Exciting times indeed. Afterall, Shauni is a huge family person. Her family is her life outside of the beautiful game…
“Yes, I love my family and I love socialising with my friends. Outside of football, I do spend most of my time with my family and friends. But, I do go to the gym and go on long dog walks. Of course, at the moment we are wedding planning for next year, so that takes up a lot of time as well.”
Shauni also works outside of the game. So, how does she manage to balance everything and keep on top of her fitness and general wellbeing?
“Well, my work is just ten minutes down the road from me, so I’m lucky enough to be able to get to the gym before or after work. There’s also a gym at work that I can use too! At the club, we currently train once a week and, obviously, we play on Sundays. So, I try to get to the gym a couple of times during the week and, as I said, I have a dog who I take out for regular walks. We also have a Nutritionist at the club now too, who helps us all with our diets if we need it.”
As our discussion has come to an end, I ask Shauni if she has any final words for the Dartford supporters?
“Thank you all so much for your support. Your support doesn’t go unnoticed, and we really do appreciate it. We hear you all loud and clear! Please continue to come and support us, and also spread the word!”
SECTION TWO
Faith or Superstition?
Superstition.
Favourite Food?
I love all food! But I love Italian or Turkish!
Favourite Drink?
Soft drink – Oasis Summer Fruits, Dr Pepper, or a Cream Soda (this reminds me of my Nan). Alcoholic drink – Desperado or Disarano and Coke!
TV Series or Film?
TV Series.
Music or Podcast?
Music.
Sporting Hero?
David Beckham.
Non-Sporting Hero?
My Mum.
Do you follow any other sports besides football?
I love watching boxing! I have participated in a charity boxing event before.
Biggest influence in the dressing room?
The management team!!!
What football players, past or present, would make up your dream five-a-side team?
Mary Earps (PSG)
Sergio Ramos (ex-Real Madrid)
David Beckham (ex-Manchester United)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
Alessia Russo (Arsenal)
By Chris Palmer