New Beyond90 contributor Bella Sewards gives an insight into her football journey. We’re thrilled to have her on board!
Though my current football journey is only beginning, I have already had so many memorable experiences: representing Victoria for the past seven years, training with elite athletes who are current Matildas and being coached by coaches who inspire me, including Michael McBride and Jasper Kristensen from Football Technique School.
This, and more, has shaped me into the player and person I am today.
The Early Years
It all began when I was two years old, training with my brother’s U7’s team, the ‘Mighty Reds’. My dad was coach, my mum team manager, my brother playing, and then me, always watching and learning.
Growing up with football all around me sparked my love for the game. With my grandfather born in Liverpool, walking distance from the ‘KOP’, and my dad playing for QPR, my family’s obsession with football was inevitable.
In the early days, I started club football at Hampton Junior Soccer Club, for the U7’s boys squad.
I think playing with the boys not only grew my confidence, but also brought out my competitive side, because there is nothing like beating the boys.
The day I was nearly knocked out by guest coach Grant Brebner’s shot on goal, at a Mighty Reds’ training session, was the day I decided I wanted to be able to kick the ball as hard as he could.
The pivotal moment that started my football journey occurred in my final years of primary school. My school soccer coach, Robert Giarbardo, truly believed in me and assisted my selection for the School Sports Victorian U12’s team, as I embarked on my journey of playing football for Victoria in the NTC program.
One of the most rewarding aspects of playing football is the friendships you make. Since the age of 12 I have continuously played alongside Holly Furphy, my longest friend in the Victorian program.
When I was about 13 years old, I attended a Junior Matildas camp, playing with a young Kyra Cooney-Cross and Sofia Sakalis, which was amazing yet daunting.
Since then, I have grown a lot as a player, both mentally and physically.
I was able to train with Melbourne Victory a few years ago, and for the past two years, I have had the opportunity to train with Melbourne City, with best friends and role models Lia Muldeary, Franny Iermano and Sarah Cain.
Opportunities
Currently, I’m in my first year of a communications course at RMIT University, whilst playing for the FV Emerging 2021 squad, in the NPLW.
Of course, along the way, there have been ups and downs. Although I have been so fortunate to be a part of this team for many years, I have faced multiple setbacks.
Struggling with recurring injuries, to being told “come back next year”, has pushed me to my limits at times. But what makes it all worth it is how much joy the game brings me.
This football journey has already availed me many amazing opportunities, from the people you meet to the places you go. This has included visiting Anfield, walking around the change rooms and on the pitch; flying over to Madrid with dad to watch LFC win the Champions League final; watching Messi play in Barcelona; and, my all-time favourite, getting our family Liverpool tattoos.
This journey has not only involved opportunities as a player: I have now also been given the chance by Beyond90 and Gold Leaf Creative to combine football with my other loves, literature and writing. Through these media platforms, I aim to provide women’s football journeys, stories, and new perspectives.
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Influences and Support
I’d say, from a player point of view, Steven Gerrard has had the biggest influence on my love for football so far. He wasn’t a Messi or a Ronaldo, but he was a leader who showed me how resilience, humility, strength and hard work makes you the best of the best.
I wouldn’t be able to continue my football journey without the support of my parents who have driven me to Darebin ever since I was 11 years old; the support of my big brother, grandparents and coaches who have believed in me when not even I did; and the friendships I have made who have stuck by me.
The Future
My dreams for me and my football revolve around growing as a player every year in the hope that one day it gets recognised and, maybe even one day, I will wear that famous Liverpool shirt. I hope that this journey acts as an inspiration, in one way or another, to young football players who dream of playing football at any level.
My current coach, Helen Winterburn, is helping me grow my confidence and intelligence as a player, midfielder and person, on and off the pitch.
I don’t know what the future holds for my football, but I am excited for what’s to come.
YNWA.
