Amiera, U14s Wyverns Football Story

…I am a Muslim player and I don’t think that should stop anyone doing what they love just because of their religion.

I started playing football with my friends at school who were all boys. I just thought I would give it a try and I really enjoyed it. So I went to a few training sessions outside of school and then my mum took me to Powerleague. I loved it there and I played there for about a year, I went every Saturday and Sunday and there were lots of boys there. Some of them would say things because I was a girl and tell me I couldn’t play but I didn’t listen to them because I loved the sport.

Then I went to an all boys team and played with them for 4 years. I loved playing with them and it was a great starting club for me. However there were 2 boys who were sexist towards me because I was the only girl. I didn’t let them stop me and I kept playing. Then I became captain of the team and won a couple of trophies.

I got the opportunity to play for AFC Leyton because Harry (my current Coach) was promoting it at my school. I decided to take it because I thought it would be a step up and it was a great decision. My favourite position is CB and I’ve played that position since I started.

My favourite AFC Leyton memory is probably the 2022 ESF Tournament in Bognor Regis because I had so much fun with all my teammates and we played lots of football and gained more chemistry as a team.

I would describe myself as a hard-working strong CB.

What’s it like being a Muslim player?

I haven’t had any trouble because I am a Muslim player and I don’t think that should stop anyone doing what they love just because of their religion.

I would say to someone that is going to fast for Ramadan that they should fast on the days they don’t play because it’s still important to get the nutrients you need and that’s what I do. My team and coach do support me and they are amazing.

I think more girls should get into football and play. It can be terrifying because a lot more boys play and there will be people that try to put you down because of your gender but you have to do what you love and you can’t let anyone stop you.