Last weekend saw Dartford host Dulwich Hamlet at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dartford FC Women midfielder Brionne Fowle featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article:
SECTION ONE
Brionne Fowle was one of the new additions brought in by Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy during the off-season, as the joint bosses aim to challenge for promotion from the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League.
And, the right-footed midfielder has settled in quickly and is establishing herself in the team after having made nine appearances in the league already. Seven of those appearances have been in the starting eleven, and she has also chipped in with four league goals so far.
Those early statistics aren’t a surprise when you consider that this 24-year-old has always played in the middle of the park… “Yes, I love playing there. However, Connor and Macca have been testing me out on left wing-back, and I’m secretly loving it Chris! There’s always lots to learn…!”
There is indeed Brionne, and I’ve learnt something about this player during our discussion over WhatsApp recently, something that isn’t too common in the world of football…
You see, Brionne is a big Spurs fan. But, she has played for Arsenal…! “Hahaha… I know! Yes, I actually support Spurs but, because Arsenal scouted me at such a young age, I just went for it.”
Fair enough. Brionne’s introduction to the beautiful game came when she played for a boys’ team called Fab Football, where she played until Arsenal scouted her.
“Yes, I played at the Arsenal Academy from the age of eight, until I was 16. The Academy really helped develop me from a young age. I then moved across North London to play for the Tottenham Academy until it was time for me to move into senior football.”
After learning with both the Arsenal and Tottenham Academies, Brionne’s journey then took her to Millwall, Kent, and Enfield Ladies, before she moved to Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Did she ever have aspirations of playing at a more professional level?
“To be honest, right now I love my job. I’m able to take advantage of my free time when I’m not playing football. At the moment, I just want to enjoy playing football still at a high standard.”
She continues, “I’m happy because, I’ve played at the highest standards. I’ve played for England in my youth, and now I get to enjoy football as well as have time for my personal life too. I wouldn’t change anything Chris.”
Having played for Enfield Ladies last term, Brionne decided to sign for the Dartford FC Women’s team. What influenced her decision to join Connor and Martin’s side?
“I signed for the club because, it looked like an enjoyable environment to be in, as well as the brilliant standard of football. For me, all I wanted to get out of this season was to enjoy my football again, along with playing some great football.
“I’ve loved every minute of it so far. I already knew some of the girls quite well, so that helped me settle in. But, to be honest Chris, everyone was so welcoming and I’ve never felt out of place. Playing for Dartford has made my heart for football grow even bigger!”
Of course, like her teammates, Brionne works outside of the sport too. Yet, she’s also fortunate to be able to take advantage of working from home, which helps her maintain her levels of fitness and general wellbeing.
“Yes, my job allows me to work from home most of the time. It also enables me to alter my working hours, so it’s quite easy for me to juggle things.”
She continues, “I’m able to go to the gym, which I enjoy. I also do activities with my friends outside of football, which is also nice. In the summer, I took up a new hobby… paddle tennis, which I really enjoy.
“As I live in Hertfordshire, a lot of my time is dedicated to football and travelling to football. So, when I’m not playing, I like to spend as much time with my friends and family as possible.”
That can sum up this 24-year-old midfielder in a nutshell. She’s dedicated to the sport, her team, and teammates. Yet, her friends and family are of equal importance, as is her enjoying taking part in the sport she so dearly loves.
And, whilst I’d have preferred that she had remained with the Gunners, I’m delighted that she has signed for and is now a Dart. Afterall, once a Dart, always a Dart. And this new Dart is fully focused on the job in hand…
“Right now, the focus is winning the league.”
Something that can be achieved with everyone getting behind the ladies and cheering them on. And, as our conversation draws to a close, does Brionne have any words for the Dartford faithful?
“Thank you all for welcoming me this season, and thank you so much for all your support. It is greatly appreciated! Up The Darts!!”
SECTION TWO
Faith or Superstition?
I am very superstitious, I could go on all day about my superstitions. But I’ll give you a normal one for now… a Pink Monster energy drink and the same breakfast every game day – beans and sausages on toast YUM!
Favourite Food?
Chicken.
Favourite Drink?
Pink Monster.
TV Series or Film?
Film.
Music or Podcast?
Music.
Sporting Hero?
Kelly Smith.
Non-Sporting Hero?
My Granddad. He told me he used to play for Spurs when I was little. He always had a picture up in his living room of Jimmy Greaves, and he used to make everyone believe that was him HAHAHA. He made me love football.
Do you follow any other sports besides football?
I used to play Cricket for Middlesex for a number of years, but I had to choose between football or cricket as I had to balance it with studies. So whenever I get the chance to, I’ll watch cricket – I love it.
Biggest influence in the dressing room?
Macca with his influential speeches.
What football players, past or present, would make up your dream five-a-side team?
Sorry this is really bad, but I don’t watch football…!
By Chris Palmer