British south Asian footballer Millie Chandarana shares her life

How old were you when you first became interested in football?

I think I was around seven or eight years old and I was playing in PE in my primary school, I then trialed for the boys football team because there was no girls one. After that when I was 8 I joined my first girls team in my local area curzon Ashton.

Do you play for the same club now as when you first become interested in football? If not which other teams have you played for?

I now play for Blackburn Rovers ladies and compete in the championship with them, in the past I was with both Blackburn and Manchester United through their youth academies before playing for Loughborough Foxes and then travelling to Italy to play for UPC Tavagnacco and San Marino Acadmey in the womens Series A over there.

Many players prefer to play in a specific position. When did you choose your playing position?

I’ve had quite a change over the years with positions… growing up I always played centre back, until I was around 18. I then used to switch sometimes between CB and defensive centre mid. In Italy it changed completely and I played as an attacking centre mid because I was more suited to that role over there.

Are your family supportive of you wanting to play football?

Yes they are very supportive. Iit’s been a rollercoaster because women’s football, until recently, wasn’t sustainable as a full time job, so they were worried what might happen. But they know I will always play as long as I can and they support that.

What was the reaction to your friends when you wanted to play football?

A lot of my friends do play football as well, but I remember in high school, there weren’t many girls playing football, they preferred netball or non-sporting activities. So it was quite difficult to get that support, but I was always known as the one who played football.

What is it about being a footballer you like most?

It’s a hard question because there’s not one thing. If I had to pick one thing I would be actually playing football everyday. There’s nothing that can beat it because it’s what I’ve done all my life and now I get to do it almost everyday.

What does a typical week look like as part of a training programme?

We train three evenings and one morning per week and the days we are not team training we are expected to be doing prehab and recovery in preparation for the next training or match. We usually play matches on Sundays but can have some midweek games too.

What has been the most important piece of advice you have been given as a footballer?

I’ve been given loads of advice but I think a recent one that’s stuck with me is that football is all opinions, everyone has their own opinion and sometimes you can’t change it, it’s just how it is, so always play your game the best you can and your way.

Are you aiming to become a coach after your playing career has ended?

I’ve coached a little throughout my career so far but only younger age groups, I don’t mind coaching football teams but I would 100% rather play it. I also prefer coaching 1-1 and doing small group physical training and mindset development in which I have just started my own business offering to athletes and the general population.

What advice would you give to any other young girls who want to play football?

I would always say just go out and play, if you want to try it, go and try it, it’s a great way to be physically active, mentally stimulated and be able to meet loads of new people all the time.

If you could pick your five favourite women's players to play alongside, who would they be?

Its a tough one but I’ll give you a few; I would say, Meghan Rapinoe because she’s a great women on and off the pitch too and learning from her would be amazing. I would also say from my time in Italy playing against Vero Boquete and Refiloe Jane was incredible - they are quality, quality players.

How do you feel about being a role model for south Asian girls?

It really means a lot to me to be in a position where I can help to inspire the younger generation to participate in a sport like football. I want to help break down the barriers that may stop south Asian girls be able to take part in football and show how much good this sport / any sport can actually do for them and their families. I want to help make football a safe and inspiring space for all communities and show that as women we are powerful and can achieve great things when we are given the chance to.

What has been your experience as a woman of colour football player in the UK?

Growing up playing football there wasn’t many Asian girls playing. I think I was the only one that I knew of until I moved to Univeristy at 18. I was never judged about my ability and my ethnicity but my last name was questioned often. It never really bothered me because I knew that I was supported from my family and people around me. There was always a concern and still is a small concern when I say to people in the community that I’m a footballer, I still feel a slight misunderstanding but again it doesn’t bother me because I know that I am completely happy in the choices I’ve made. I’ve worked hard to get where I am and couldn’t have done it without the full support of my family.

What would be your advice to your younger self?

My advice to my younger self would be to always work hard in everything you do, not to care what other people think, just to work hard at what you do and what you love to do. There’s a balance in life when you’re young between what you must do and what you live to do. If you can balance them both and work hard at them you will have the best of both worlds.

How do you stay motivated during tough times?

I always think that the most important times are the tough ones because you are out of your comfort zone during those times and so there is more opportunity to grow. Challenging times are hard to go through but it’s really important to remember that the way we react to them can help us eventually become stronger and maximise our potential.

Beyond other footballers, who or what inspires you?

I think I’ve always found inspiration when I was young from certain family members I was close to who supported me all the way. It’s important to have people like that in your life. I also now find inspiration in helping others, especially south Asian women like me with a passion and a dream, to achieve these and realise what they can do for themselves and the people around them.