Dartford took on Cray Wanderers last month. Chris Palmer spoke to Martha MacDonald, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article:
This is young midfielder Martha MacDonald’s first season where she’s involved with the Dartford FC Women’s team.
With the ladies currently sitting in third place of the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League table, having amassed 28 points from their eleven fixtures so far, Martha has been involved in just the two games to date (one in the starting eleven).
Despite those slim pickings, Martha is clearly delighted to be involved and remains excited about the rest of the season…
“The club offered me an environment like no other and has provided me with great football and coaching, together with an amazing group of players. I want to get as much game time as possible and focus on getting as much out of the season as I can.”
What does she bring to an already extremely talented group?
“I try to always bring energy and help out the team, no matter what. I have the drive and desire to be the best player I can be, especially when competing in a field of athletes who are older than me. However, I believe that my age is both a strength and weakness of mine. I have the ability to still learn and change my game so much but, on the other hand, a lot of players have more experience than me.”
As she continues to mature as a player, has Martha experienced any challenges yet?
“The biggest challenges I’ve faced are injuries and the lack of minutes from managers who didn’t think I’d be a good fit for their team. But I’ve learnt to trust myself and my teammates because, they’ll always make me better.”
Martha’s ambition is to progress and play at the highest level possible. Yet, there’s another more important part of her life that requires her attention…
“I’m attending a sixth-form football school, as well as playing at Dartford. The hardest thing to juggle is definitely balancing all the training and matches, alongside attempting to revise for my A-levels. However, the passion usually overrides the tiredness! 😂
“The chance of success always pushes me, and the passion to just play my best always keeps me motivated. I just love playing football because of the people I’ve met, the things I’ve learnt, and how much the sport impacts my life.”
With her favourite position being in the centre of the midfield, does she do any additional fitness work during the week and how does she prepare herself on matchdays?
“With playing for another team, my main additional fitness-work is via training and matches. I don’t change my attitude no matter who I’m playing, as complacency is sometimes detrimental to a game.”
What does Martha think of the ladies’ chances of success this season?
“I think it’s there for the taking and, with all the work we do, we deserve for it to pay off.”
They certainly do! Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy’s outfit have been knocking on the door of promotion for some time now, so hopefully this is the year where it all comes to fruition.
With the management duo having been mentioned, it’s no secret that they’ve had a huge influence on their squad. A lot of credit deservedly goes their way. Has Martha received any advice that she tries to live by?
“I like the quote: ‘hard work beats talent when the talent doesn’t work hard’ because, I believe that’s true. But also, the advice of trusting myself on the pitch and really playing off confidence has helped improve my game.”
Does she have any advice of her own for those looking to follow in her footsteps?
“You have to put in the work, not only at the club, but outside the club when it’s hard and you have to keep trying, even if there are setbacks.”
Such wise words from such a young player. Here’s hoping that we continue to see Martha grow as a Dartford player for many years to come.
SECTION TWO
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I wouldn’t say it’s really a superstition but, I try to always speak to my Dad before I actually go onto the pitch.
Favourite footballer?
I really like Gabriel Martinelli and Thierry Henry but, I’m definitely influenced by my Dad!
Favourite football team?
Arsenal.
Favourite football moment?
Being a MacDonald, Scotland qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in my life is definitely one of them.
Biggest role model?
My Dad. He still plays now and is there for every training session and match to help me.
Team to watch out for in the league this season?
Brentford.
Who are your biggest supporters?
My parents. Again my Dad is at everything football and my Mum always takes care of me when Dad’s been too harsh about my playing.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I did ballet for 14 years but ultimately stopped to focus on football.
What sport would you do if you didn’t play football?
Either ballet or netball. I loved playing netball in school but stopped after going to sixth form.
Who will win the WSL this season?
I want to say Arsenal but, I doubt that is realistic.
By Chris Palmer