Tuesday night saw Dartford host Chichester City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park in what was the rescheduled league fixture. Dartford FC Women attacker Sarah Hill featured in our matchday programme that night. For those who missed it, here is the full article:
SECTION ONE
Sarah Hill is another new arrival to the Dartford FC Women’s squad. Having arrived from East Tennessee State University, the left-footed player who wears the number nineteen shirt has made six league appearances to date, two of those were in the starting eleven.
The striker, who is also comfortable playing as a central attacking midfielder, has chipped in with a goal this season too. Yet, with the goal machines of Amy Russ and Emily Vaughan ahead of her, Sarah’s time on the pitch has been limited.
Despite that, the 26-year-old is in good spirits at the time of out discussion before Christmas…
“I’m doing great thanks Chris! I’m currently on route to training with a rather exotic Christmas jumper on… all ready for our final session before the winter break.”
She continues, “It’s an exciting time for the club. Being able to play in the main stadium with a loyal group of fans is great motivation for getting the job done. The team and management hold each other accountable, and I love the professional standards that we demand of each other.”
Is that why she signed for the club?
“I’m certainly pleased with my decision to sign for Dartford. The team have had great success so far, and I’m keen to make an impact during the second half of the season Chris. I want to score more goals and get assists to help us compete for promotion.”
Right from the start comes Sarah’s fighting spirit. And it’s pleasing to hear that she wants to channel that into helping the team’s aspirations of success. But where did that spirit come from? Where did her career begin?
“I started playing in a boys’ team when I was five, having competed with my three older brothers in the garden. At the age of nine, I joined the Somerset Centre of Excellence, alongside playing in the boys’ team at school until I turned sixteen.
“I got called up to train with the England U17 and U18 squads at St George’s Park, which was a dream come true, before I ventured across the pond to play ‘College Soccer’.”
She continues, “Playing for an Academy instilled a sense of discipline in me from a young age to keep on top of my training and studies. So, I’m forever thankful that my parents drove me to training for all those years!”
Did she aspire to play at a higher, professional level?
“My first aspiration was to play football at University in America Chris. And, I’m pleased to have been able to fulfil that dream. I’ve only been back in England for a year, so I’m still carving out my next career goals. I am passionate about my acting career as well, so I’d love to excel in both fields for as long as possible!”
You read that correctly! Outside of football, Sarah is an Actor. She’s also an Elocution Coach. So when she’s not playing football, she’s either on the stage, a film set, or meeting with clients to strengthen their communication skills.
With so much going on, where on earth does she find the time to maintain her fitness levels, not to mention her general wellbeing?
“The toughest thing to manage would be the commute to training if I’m honest, as I’m based in North London. It requires a lot of meal prepping, so that I can fuel on the train. I’ll typically have a script in hand or recordings, so that I can learn my lines on route… BIG shout-out to Russy (Amy Russ) for picking me up from the station!”
She continues, “Fitness has always been an integral part of my life. I always seem to be more productive and energized after doing a workout so, hopefully, I’ll continue to get stronger and faster in the new year! Nutrition wise, I love a bit of Joe Wicks. His recipe books sort me out with quick, high protein meals!
“I’m a big fan of F45… a 45-minute explosive HIIT workout at a studio that I go to in London. Having grown up playing team sports, I love working out with people. I also play in a five-a-side league and, occasionally, I train with one of the Dartford Men’s players at our local 3G pitch. I’m not quite as fast as him, but I’ve definitely got a better left foot!”
At only 26-years-old, this highly focused and organised person still has an awful lot to offer. Not just for Dartford FC Women, but in her acting career, as well as her Elocution Coach commitments. Is Sarah happy with how her career has panned out so far?
“With the incredible growth of the women’s game over the last few years, I do sometimes wonder what my career would have looked like if I had chosen to stay in England for that shift. But I also believe in trusting the process. I wouldn’t change the memories I’ve created whilst competing in America. Overall, I’m happy with my journey thus far, but I believe that I still have more to give.”
And what about her future?
“At the moment, I want to focus on enjoying football as that’s when I play best. It would be great to climb the divisions with Dartford and challenge bigger teams… I’m sure we could compete in the National League. I would also love to book a role on Ted Lasso and combine my two favourite things… football and acting!”
I say good luck to her! It would surely be a wonderful thing to see one of our own players on television! As time runs out on our conversation and Sarah’s lines beckon, I’ll let her say a few words to the Dartford faithful…
“Thanks so much for your support! It really makes a difference seeing and hearing you in the stands, and in the clubhouse following games. Also big thanks to my sponsors, ‘The Ted Lasso Fan Tour’ and ‘Wefoot International’. Up The Darts!”
SECTION TWO
Faith or Superstition?
Faith.
Favourite Food?
Dried Mango… or fresh Mango.
Favourite Drink?
Oat Flat White, or a dry West Country Cider.
TV Series or Film?
TV Series.
Music or Podcast?
Ooh tough! I guess music.
Sporting Hero?
David Beckham.
Non-Sporting Hero?
Mum & Dad.
Do you follow any other sports besides football?
I love F1 and I occasionally watch Cricket as well. I played County Cricket for Somerset growing up, so I might have played against my teammate Bri (Brionne Fowle) in football and cricket back in the day!
Biggest influence in the dressing room?
Lizzie Adams & Emily Woodhouse.
What football players, past or present, would make up your dream five-a-side team?
Andy Hill (brother – great team talk)
Lucy Bronze (Chelsea)
Kalvin Phillips (Ipswich Town)
Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
Ronaldinho (ex-Barcelona)
By Chris Palmer