Dartford took on Aveley recently. Chris Palmer spoke to Xayla-Rae Alberts, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article:
Xayla-Rae arrived at Princes Park during the 2023-24 season, having signed from Dorking Wanderers. And the central midfielder has become an integral part of the Dartford FC Women’s midfield engine room.
Since her arrival, she has notched up 52 appearances (40 starts) and has scored seven goals. So far this season, Xayla-Rae has netted on three occasions during her fourteen appearances (12 starts), proving how essential she is to the squad.
With the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League closing down for the Christmas festivities, the team remain in sixth place in the table with 21 points from eight games. They currently sit ten points behind Brentford, but have five games in hand over the league leaders.
And like her teammates, Xayla-Rae believes that this campaign will prove to be successful…
“I think we have a big chance of success. Coming so close twice puts us in a good position to win the league this year. We’ve also brought in a lot of new players, who have all made a positive impact.”
Was the confidence of success the reason why Xayla-Rae chose to remain at the club?
“We have a goal this season to win the league and, after coming so close the last two seasons, I want to be a part of the team that achieves that success. Promotion is the goal for the season.”
Xayla-Rae is honest in her comments regarding the previous two campaigns. And she doesn’t shy away from the fact that finishing runners up in the league two years in a row has been a challenging experience for her. However, she’s also learnt a lot…
“Through playing football, I’ve learnt that if you work harder than anyone else, you will come away with the result you want. You have to be willing to do anything it takes to achieve what you want in life. I want to play to the best of my ability and be part of a club where I can help to achieve great things. But you need to work hard to achieve that.”
It’s that hard work that separates this midfielder from many of her peers. It’s an invaluable contribution that she brings to a Dartford FC Women squad that oozes similar traits across the pitch, for they all work incredibly hard for each other.
“My strengths are that I always work hard and put my body on the line for the team. I’m tenacious and a hungry player when out on the pitch, however, my composure on the ball can be improved.”
With her favourite position being in the middle of the pitch, why does Xayla-Rae love playing football?
“I enjoy winning. Plus football is a good escape from normal life. I also love being part of a club that feels like a family.”
She’s certainly at home here at Princes Park then because, if there’s one thing that management duo Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy have created with their team, it’s that family unit.
Yet, no matter what’s created, there are always challenges involved, especially in the part-time game. And Xayla-Rae’s biggest one is trying to manage the schedule between work, training, fixtures, and family.
“I do find time to go to the gym regularly, as it’s important. And on matchdays, I follow the same routine I’ve always done… listen to music to get pumped!”
How about motivation? How does she remain motivated throughout the long seasons?
“By staying consistent with training and the gym. The best advice I once received was, you need to be willing to die on the pitch to win.”
Does she have any advice for the younger generation of footballer?
“Stay consistent with training and working hard, and be patient.”
That pretty much sums Xayla-Rae up. She’s fiercely competitive and loyal to her teammates, and is prepared to do anything it takes in order to achieve the success that she and her team so desperately desire. Let’s hope that all the hard work results in another successful campaign, as well as that much sought after promotion.
SECTION TWO
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
Always straighten my hair.
Favourite footballer?
Eden Hazard.
Favourite football team?
Chelsea.
Favourite football moment?
Winning the League Cup two seasons ago.
Biggest role model?
My Mum.
Team to watch out for in the league this season?
Sutton United.
Who are your biggest supporters?
My partner.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I have six siblings.
What sport would you do if you didn’t play football?
Boxing.
Who will win the WSL this season?
Chelsea.
By Chris Palmer