I recently sat down in conversation with recent signing Maxwell Statham.
The written article was published in the club’s Matchday Programme for the fixure against Havant & Waterlooville at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. For those unable to attend the game, here is the full article:
Maxwell Statham, arrived at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park after impressing manager Alan Dowson during the summer.
After appearing for local rivals Welling United more than thirty times last season, the 21-year-old versatile defender was delighted with the new Dartford manager’s belief in his playing abilities. Together with his new manager’s successful career to date and plans for the future, signing for the Darts proved to be an easy decision for Maxwell.
His signing arrived after Maxwell had spent a delightful off-season in America, where he spent three weeks in New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles with his girlfriend. Upon returning, he then travelled to Cornwall for a family holiday. Now fully rested, Maxwell is feeling fit and healthy, having enjoyed a good few weeks of pre-season training with his new teammates.
Like a lot of people within the sport, a young Maxwell grew up with football. His father and brothers all played the game so, naturally, an influenced Maxwell fell in love with football from a very young age – He actually says that, “I was a toddler when I first started playing, and by the age of 6-7, was playing for my local team”.
With his family (who he holds close to his heart, stating that they’ve all had a huge influence on his career, especially his father) following his progress, it wasn’t long before he was being watched by bigger clubs, and offered opportunities to trial for them. Eventually, he signed for Tottenham Hotspur, where he completed his scholarship there before signing his first professional contract.
However, after five years, Maxwell signed for Watford, before moving on to Hornchurch. After making only 5-6 appearances there, the young defender signed on at Welling United.
This season, Maxwell will be plying his trade in the colours of Dartford and intends, “…to play as many games as possible and reach the personal targets I’ve set myself, as well as help the Darts win promotion by winning as many games as we can.”
In order to reach those targets he’s set himself, Maxwell trains as if he’s a full-time professional footballer, even when away from the club. This involves him spending time in the gym, as well as doing football sessions in order to keep himself fit.
Despite intending to play at the highest level possible within the sport, football isn’t the only thing in Maxwell’s life. Obviously, his private life with his girlfriend is important, as is his family. His father is from Zimbabwe, so Maxwell is also of African heritage. And, he enjoys experiencing other cultures and foods, claiming that his Nan is a wonderful cook!
Outside of football, Maxwell has his own business, where he re-sells clothes. He enjoys spending time with family and friends, and going out with his girlfriend. He enjoys meals out and watching films both at home and at the cinema. It doesn’t matter whether it’s new films or older ones, he just enjoys the whole experience. His hobbies also include collecting trainers and playing on his PlayStation.
If you can’t find him in the depths of the PlayStation/Internet world, you’ll certainly be able to locate him on the pitch at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. And, Maxwell can’t wait to get started, “…the stadium and fans were brilliant last season when I played here in Welling colours. I’m so excited to experience that atmosphere again. I look forward to playing in front of you all this season… UP THE DARTS!“
By Chris Palmer