Dartford hosted Horsham at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park on Saturday. Beth Powell featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article:
SECTION ONE
Beth Powell arrived at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park during the 2022-23 season after transferring from Enfield Town. And since her arrival, the 26-year-old has become an important part of the Dartford FC Women’s midfield unit.
To date, the Holding Midfielder has made forty appearances in the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League fixtures, 33 of them in the starting eleven. She has also chipped in with three goals during the last two campaigns.
With Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy’s outfit currently sitting at the summit of the league table with 38 points from fifteen games played (at the time of writing), Beth has made fifteen starting appearances and scored twice in the competition.
It was a pleasure to finally listen to Beth’s story, as we found time in our busy schedules at the end of January to go back and forth over WhatsApp. The evening in question saw her in good spirits, despite just returning from another training session…
“I’m good thank you. Just got home from training, but all good.”
She continues, “It feels really good to be playing for Dartford this season. I’ve enjoyed it so far. We have got a great group of girls, and everyone gets on… it’s like a family here to be honest. So yeah, I’m really enjoying it, but I can’t believe how fast the season is going Chris! I can’t believe we’re already at the end of January!”
I see where she’s coming from. For many, January can feel like a never-ending month, as they recover from the Christmas and New Year shenanigans while enduring the cold and miserable weather. But for us involved in the beautiful game, the time seems to fly by… although, we also have to endure the weather while enjoying our beloved sport!
Was it the familiar feeling of a family unit the reason why Beth chose to remain at the club for this season?
“Well, this is my second full season here Chris. I joined halfway through the 2022-23 campaign… it’s just a really great environment here. We have a great dressing room and terrific staff. I think that, as a team and as a unit, we’re all really close. And, just missing out on winning the league last season meant that I wanted to stay and set out to go one better than last term.
“As I’m sure that everyone else has already said, my ambition is to help the team win the league and win as many trophies as possible. We won two trophies last year, but fell just short of the league. So yeah, we want to win the league and also retain those trophies!”
At the time of writing the team, led by Skipper Chana Hinds, is on the right track. Having only suffered defeat once in league competition this season, the Darts sit six points clear at the top of the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League table. Recent victories over Bromley (on penalties) and rivals Ebbsfleet United mean that the Darts have progressed to the next rounds of the Kent Senior Cup and the League Cup.
But with games coming thick and fast, how does Beth manage to balance her working life with her fitness and general wellbeing, not to mention game-time and training?
“To be honest Chris, I find trying to manage my working life with my fitness quite challenging. I find it quite difficult to switch off from work to be honest. Obviously, football is a good thing as it enables me to completely switch off (from work). So, I try to remain as disciplined as I can, and I try to put time aside to prioritise my own self, which is vital.”
She continues, “In terms of fitness, I tend to go to the gym in order to keep myself ticking over. I also go out for runs sometimes and I like to do Pilates. I like to do all that alongside our training. I’m generally quite healthy and live a healthy lifestyle in my household. I have a little treat here and there but, overall, manage my diet well.
“Outside of football, I like to go for walks and spend time with family and friends. I’ve got a French Bulldog, so I like to take him out for lots of walks too.”
Turning back the clock a few years, how did Beth’s journey with football begin?
“Like many girls, I started off playing in a boys’ football team, before I moved into the Millwall Lionesses’ Academy setup when I was about nine. I stayed there until I was around fourteen, where I joined Chelsea. I moved into the U21s before progressing into senior football.”
After remaining with the Blues for three years, Beth rejoined the Lionesses for a second spell. Her journey then took her to the likes of Gillingham (now Chatham), Kent Football United, Billericay Town, and Enfield, before she signed for Dartford during the 2022-23 campaign.
Does she feel that her time in the Academy helped her career?
“Definitely Chris, definitely. I learned so much there, and I played alongside and met some amazing players, some amazing people. Lots of my footballing memories come from those times when I was younger, it was an amazing experience with lots of highs.”
“When I was younger…” she continues, “I obviously had aspirations of becoming a professional player. But to be honest, I’m happy where I am now. The game has evolved a lot, which is really exciting, especially for those coming through the pathways now.
“But I’m happy with how my playing career has panned out. I’ve met some of my best mates playing where I have. Obviously, there’s games you wished you’d won, but actually it’s all been for the best really. It’s all part of the learning experience, so I have no regrets. I’ve played at the highest levels for me, and I’m happy with that.”
And what about the future?
“Obviously, my current focus is on Dartford. I want to win the league with this club. I haven’t really thought much beyond that to be honest Chris.”
It’s great to hear that this right-footed midfielder is highly focused on the task in hand. And that, no matter what is thrown at her, she’ll do her best for her teammates to bring more success to this thriving team. Obviously, the fans are a huge factor in building success. So, before Beth logs off to get some much-needed sleep, she has a few words for the Dartford faithful…
“Thank you all for your support. Please keep coming to cheer us on.”
SECTION TWO
Faith or Superstition?
Superstition. I’ve had the same shin-pads since I was about ten!
Favourite Food?
A homemade Roast Dinner.
Favourite Drink?
Coke (full-fat!)
TV Series or Film?
I do like a good Netflix Series.
Music or Podcast?
Music… The 80s to be specific!
Sporting Hero?
I wouldn’t say hero, but I looked up to John Terry and Rio Ferdinand when growing up.
Non-Sporting Hero?
I’d say my Dad. He has travelled up and down the country supporting me since I was little.
Do you follow any other sports besides football?
I don’t really follow any other sports.
Biggest influence in the dressing room?
Emily Woodhouse.
What football players, past or present, would make up your dream five-a-side team?
John Terry (ex-Chelsea)
Rio Ferdinand (ex-Manchester United)
Rodri (Manchester City)
Cristiano Ronaldo (Al Nassr)
Lionel Messi (Inter Miami)
By Chris Palmer