Teenager Kitty Kiernan from Little Hallingbury wants to inspire more girls to play football after reaching Junior Premier League

Kitty Kiernan, who lives in Little Hallingbury and goes to Forest Hall School in Stansted, is passionate about playing football and has already competed on some big stages at the age of 14. Here, she talks about chasing her dream of playing the game professionally and why she would love to inspire more young girls to take to the field

I started playing football when I was eight years old. I was supposed to be going to a WildCats session, but, after turning up at the wrong place, I ended up starting my football journey at Bishop’s Stortford Community Football Club.

After a season there I was asked to join West Ham’s Girls’ Advanced Development Centre and I moved to join Saffron Walden Girls’ Football Club. For the next six years I continued my journey with both teams.

I have had the most amazing experiences, including playing at Manchester City Academy, playing in the Premier League tournament for girls and playing teams from all over, including America.

This year I decided to leave Saffron Walden and West Ham to start a new challenge playing for Goffs Oak under-16 girls. Playing up a year has been an exciting opportunity and I now play in the Junior Premier League with the team. It’s a whole new level of skill and talent, but I’m loving every minute of it.

Growing up as a girl playing football has been a journey of challenges, triumphs and moments that have shaped me in ways I didn’t expect. Football has always been my passion. It’s my escape and a place where I’ve made some amazing friends.

But the journey has included highs and lows. Here’s what it’s really like being a girl playing football.

One of the best things about playing football is how it makes me feel strong and capable. It pushes my physical and mental limits and I love knowing I’m getting better each day. The first time I perfected a tough move or scored a goal in a game, I felt like I could conquer the world. Playing football has given me a kind of confidence that goes beyond the pitch.

For me, nothing compares to the rush of playing the game itself. Running down the pitch, chasing the ball, setting up a shot - all of it fills me with this indescribable energy and excitement. It’s like I’m in my own world where nothing else matters. The joy of football is something only a player really understands and it’s this love of the game that keeps me coming back, no matter the obstacles.

Football has allowed me to meet people who share the same passion, determination and love for the sport as me. These amazing team-mates have been there through victories, losses and the endless hours of training. There’s a bond that forms when you’re working together towards a shared goal and all my team-mates over the years have given me a support system I couldn’t imagine my life without.

When I first started playing, I felt like I had something to prove because people saw football as a boys’ sport. Now, instead of being discouraged, it motivates me. Every time I play, I’m showing people that girls can love and play football just as well as anyone else.

And seeing other girls join the sport because they see me out there feels amazing - I love knowing I might be inspiring someone else to take up the game.

When I see women’s teams on TV or watch a major tournament, it fuels my dream to take football as far as I can. Whether that’s continuing playing in the Junior Premier League or even professionally, the growing visibility of women’s football shows me that it’s possible to have a future in this sport.

I don’t know where football will take me, but the fact that I can even imagine these possibilities is exciting.

Even with the progress made in women’s sports, I still get comments like “Are you sure you should be playing football?” and “Isn’t that too rough for a girl?” These stereotypes can be hurtful, especially when they come from people I know.

I’ve learned to brush them off, but it took time to develop that kind of confidence. Those doubts used to make me second-guess myself and I still have to remind myself not to let others’ opinions get in the way of my love for football.

Football takes a lot of time and energy, especially if I’m also trying to keep up with my schoolwork, family time and a social life. Sometimes I miss out on things because of training or games.

Managing everything can feel overwhelming, but football has taught me time management and discipline. I’ve learnt that even when I feel like I’m missing out on things other teens get to do, I’m so lucky to be in the position I’m in. I’m doing what I love and that is enough for me.

One of the hardest parts of football is the risk of injuries. I’ve had my share of bruises and I know every time I play I’m taking a risk. Injuries aren’t just painful, they mean time away from the game, which is the last thing I want.

I was studded during a game and ended up having to have my toe nail operated on. Luckily it was during Covid so I didn’t miss a lot of football, but not being able to play for just a few weeks was tough. Recovering has taught me patience, how to look after my body better and how I never want to go through that again.

While women’s football is growing, it’s still not on the same level as men’s in terms of recognition or opportunities. Sometimes it feels like girls’ teams get overlooked or don’t get as much support, which is discouraging. It’s hard when I see talented female players struggle to get the same recognition or resources as male players and it makes me wonder if I’ll face the same struggle if I pursue football professionally, but I keep going.

Why do I keep playing? Well, despite the challenges, I wouldn’t trade football for anything. It’s given me confidence, resilience and a sense of purpose. I play because I love it and every time I step onto the pitch, I’m reminded of that.

Football has taught me that I’m stronger than I thought and it’s shown me that being a girl playing football doesn’t mean being any less of a player, it just means I get to prove every day how much I belong on that field.

If you’re a girl who wants to start playing football, or your daughter, sister or granddaughter wants to play, please give it a go. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Kitty lives in Little Hallingbury with mum Lynsey, dad Liam, 17-year-old twin brothers Ollie and Leo and pet dogs Freddie, Russo, Tooney and Woody. She plays as a striker or defensive midfielder and supports Manchester City Women.