Dartford took on St Albans City in our last home game of 2025. Chris Palmer spoke to Leila Awan, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article:
Leila Awan arrived at Princes Park during the off-season after signing from London Seaward. And the attacking midfielder has been steadily growing since her arrival.
With the ability to play on either side of the pitch, Leila possesses a real eagerness to learn and improve with every session, be that in training or playing a competitive match.
To date she has made thirteen appearances, with eight coming in the Dartford FC Women starting eleven. She has contributed with two goals, as Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy’s outfit occupy sixth place in the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League table with 21 points from eight fixtures. An amount that sees them seven points behind leaders Brentford, but with four games in hand.
Why did Leila decide to leave London Seaward and join Dartford?
“I played against the club last season and I liked how they were set up. Dartford’s a good footballing team so, when the opportunity to sign came up, I knew it was the right place for me to develop and challenge myself.
“I think that we have a good chance of winning the league this season, as we all have a winning mentality and work very hard to make sure that we achieve our goals.”
That’s the collective ambition, but what about Leila? What are her personal goals for this season?
“I want to stay confident and positive, while contributing with assists and goals. As far as the long-term future is concerned, I want to play at the highest level and progress up through the leagues.”
She continues, “I just love playing football because, it’s something that I can do to express my skills and, when I’m out on the pitch, my mind clears and I get to focus on the one thing I love. I love playing on the right or left wing, I don’t mind which as long as I’m playing and helping my teammates.”
And what can people expect to see from Leila when she is out there on the pitch? What does she bring to the table of a very good Dartford FC Women side?
“I have a strong desire to improve and take any criticism positively, ensuring that I put 110% into every session and allow my feet to do the talking. I’m a creative player who thrives in the attacking third of the pitch. I have good vision to find players teammates, and crossing and sharp passes are a strength.
“My size is also a strength, as it enables me to get past defenders quicker and it makes it harder for people to mark me. I have quick feet, so defenders tend to foul me a lot, which means I can win free-kicks in dangerous areas. And I’m always working harder to build more strength.”
Speaking of drawing fouls from her opponents, like many of her peers, Leila has suffered with her fair share of injuries which have proved to be a challenge for her…
“I broke my leg a couple of years ago, which put me out of action for a year. Not only that, but I had to rebuild my confidence again and had to make sure that I was mentally ready to go back out onto the pitch. Another challenge that I have to overcome is the fact that I’m a smaller player than many. I’ve had to constantly prove myself to other players and coaches that I am able to compete physically and use my technical ability to my advantage.
“I do make sure that I do extra strength training in the gym during the week, as well as my own individual pitch sessions which helps to keep me fit. And I stay motivated because of the players I’m surrounded by. The girls keep me going with their passion and desire to win every game.”
And what about Sundays? How does Leila approach matchdays?
“I’m always excited and nervous for matchdays. I try to make sure that I’m ready by fuelling myself enough and making sure that my body is physically ready.”
Has she learnt anything from the beautiful game?
“I’ve learnt to never take any game for granted, and that it’s a huge privilege to be good at this sport along with the discipline it teaches you. I go to university, so it can be hard completing work and revision while also training and playing. That’s especially true when we have late training sessions, as I won’t get home until quite late. But, it teaches us discipline and it makes it worthwhile because I love playing for Dartford.”
Has Leila ever received any advice that she lives by in the sport?
“Yes… success on the pitch comes from preparation. Being ready physically and mentally makes a huge difference.”
And what advice would she pass on to the younger generation?
“To enjoy playing and take advice from players who are more experienced, as it’s always helpful to listen to them. Never give up and always try to be the best you can be.”
That’s sound advice from a player who knows what she’s talking about. Her experiences and challenges have made Leila the positive player that she is. Let’s hope that she continues on her upwards trajectory and experiences the success she desires to achieve with the Darts Destroyers.
SECTION TWO
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I make sure that I pray before every game and training session.
Favourite footballer?
Philippe Coutinho.
Favourite football team?
LIVERPOOL!
Favourite football moment?
Winning the FAWNL Reserve Player of The League at Wembley with Cambridge City.
Biggest role model?
My parents.
Team to watch out for in the league this season?
Saltdean.
Who are your biggest supporters?
My friends and family.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m a football coach for kids and I also have my own 121 coaching company.
What sport would you do if you didn’t play football?
Golf.
Who will win the WSL this season?
Arsenal.
By Chris Palmer