The 15th of November saw Dartford take on Chichester City at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Chris Palmer spoke to Meghan McKeag, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article:
Meghan McKeag has been a member of the Dartford FC Women’s squad for a few years now and, despite recent injury setbacks, she remains an important part of the team.
With the side currently occupying fourth place in the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League table, with 18 points from seven games (at the time of writing), Meghan has only been able to make a solitary starting appearance.
However, she continues to support her teammates as they look to gain promotion this season. They’re still in a good position, despite suffering a first league defeat of the campaign away at Sutton United recently. But, their FA Cup 1st Round success against Forest Green Rovers FC Women was followed by a 3-0 victory over Richmond & Kew in the L&SERWFL League Cup 3rd Round.
With her teammates getting stuck into the busy season, Meghan is chomping at the bit to return to action…
“I last played in May 2024, so am fighting fit off the back of such a long-term injury. Other than that, I’m well and looking forward to trying to get back into competitive football and to resume doing what I love.”
Was it that love of the game that prompted her to remain with the club?
“I’ve been with Dartford for a few years now, and it felt right to me from the start. There have been comings and goings, injuries, retirements, and babies (not from me… HaHaHaHa!), but I’m still here and trying to squeeze the last bit out of my career.
“It made sense for me to be somewhere where the quality is high in terms of football, ambitions, and people. I thought I was done with football whilst injured, but now I feel better and ready to give it another go. I just want to enjoy every minute of what I may have left, as I’m very much approaching my umpteenth retirement.”
Does retiring bother Meghan?
“Retiring from football altogether is going to be very difficult for me, as it’s what I’ve known for most of my life. Also, the last injury really took a toll mentally and physically. I think that one thing that has hindered me, is that I’ve always been injury-prone with a set of glass ankles!”
Meghan is honest enough to admit that she considers her injury-proness to be a weakness of her game… “I wouldn’t say no to an 18-year-old set of lungs and legs to borrow!”
She’s also someone who can be hard on herself at times… “If I’m not meeting my own standards, it can cause me to be expressive and to sometimes lose focus.”
However, her strengths far outweigh those that she considers to be weaknesses. She’s an accomplished Left-Back, which is her favourite position to play. And, at the age of 36, she oozes experience and wisdom, as well as a terrific sense of humour. But, what does she think she brings to the team?
“At my best, I’m an attacking full-back with a half-decent left foot. I love a strong tackle and an assist as well. I bring a touch of humour, a bit of style, and a modicum of wisdom.
“I just love football. It’s what I’ve known, very naturally, from a very young age. Football has been, and I think always will be, a part of my identity in life. I’ve had a wonderful career in football and am very grateful and fond of the experiences and successes I’ve been a part of.”
If that sounds as if Meghan is expecting imminent retirement, it couldn’t be further from the truth. She might be into the twilight years of her playing career and suffered a few injuries, but she’s determined to continue playing for as long as possible. And that begins again with this season…
“I want to continue training to increase my fitness and condition. Then, ultimately, I want to play again. Aside from that, I intend to support the team in any way possible. The team’s ambition remains to win the league, as well as other cup competitions around that. I believe that this is the year that promotion is gained, and a bit of silverware would be a lovely compliment to that as well.”
With regards to her comment regarding her fitness, does she do any additional fitness work to help her body?
“Absolutely. It’s a requirement really to be able to compete and excel. The fitter you are, the easier your game is. Any fitness work right now is fundamental, especially in my current post-injury condition.”
Of course, like her teammates, Meghan also has to balance all of this alongside working a job outside of the game. How does she deal with that?
“It can be super draining to complete a full day’s work and then have to get home to make sure I’ve fuelled well. Then, get ready for football and then head out, no matter what the conditions are, knowing that the fatigue (mental and physical) is there. But, you have to keep on showing up or your football will suffer. I think that our commitment can be really tested in some moments.”
She continues, “But, I also think that our motivation is easier to come by when things are going well, and when we’re succeeding and achieving goals. However when things feel less positive, that’s when you need to be able to get around your teammates in order to inspire one another to keep going and to be better. Personally, I like to keep setting myself goals. That way I know what I’m working towards and have something to aim for.”
With all that considered, how does Meghan approach matchdays?
“Pretty routinely, but also as laid back as I can be so that I can contain the inevitable excitement and/or anxiety and try to use it to my benefit. I’ve also learnt that you’re only as good as your last performance. This is something I’ve always held close to me, in a very grounding way. I think it translates into everyday life also, in terms of work, relationships, interactions with people, etc… It’s about being consistently intentional. Whether the outcome is what you desire or not, it’s about continuing to show up and intending to be the best version of yourself at each opportunity.”
And that’s how Meghan tries to live, no matter the situation or whether it’s out on the pitch, on the sidelines, at work, or life in general. She also tries to always remember the advice once given to her, in that you get out (of football) what you put in, whether you’re around your teammates or not.
Does she have any advice of her own for the younger generation of footballer?
“You get out what you put in, in every single aspect of the game.”
Wise words indeed from one of the more experienced players within the Dartford FC Women’s camp.
SECTION TWO
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
Weetabix drowned in Iced Coffee. Then Red Bull and a Banana, in that order ONLY!
Favourite footballer?
Thierry Henry.
Favourite football team?
Arsenal.
Favourite football moment?
Anytime I wore an England/Arsenal shirt.
Biggest role model?
Footballing role models for me growing up were Ashley Cole & Rachel Unitt.
Team to watch out for in the league this season?
Whoever sits in the top four as it stands will likely be fighting for promotion come the end of the season. Keep your eyes on the Darts! 🎯😊
Who are your biggest supporters?
My loved ones by far.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
At the ripe age of 36 I have worn 18 different football shirts to compete in, at varying teams/levels, since I started playing.
What sport would you do if you didn’t play football?
I likely would’ve stuck with Athletics.
Who will win the WSL this season?
The Gooner in me has to will it to be Arsenal, but Chelsea aren’t to be overlooked.
By Chris Palmer