Mia Wheeler - From Grassroots to FA Women's National League

Mia Wheeler - Derby County Women's First Team

Early Beginnings (Grassroots)

What first got you into football, and who introduced you to the game?

I didn't properly start playing football until I was 10.  Before then I did the odd session or holiday club with Burton Albion Community Trust and that led on to the Wildcat sessions that the Trust ran. The coaches there told my Mum that I should look at joining a team.  So when I was 10, I asked to join in some training sessions with cousin's team (my uncle helped run this team at the time.) But I enjoyed it so much I signed for the team, it was a boys team and I was the only girl.

Development & Progression

Were there any coaches or mentors who had a big influence on you?

I will always regard my first female manager/coach as the biggest influence on me.  She played for Stoke Ladies herself and coached me when I first joined Derby County (under 16's).  Her passion and enthusiasm for the game was obvious but it was the confidence and belief that she had in me as a player that I will never forget. It was a nervous time for me, joining Derby from Burton Albion but she brought out the best in me.

Challenges & Resilience

What has been the toughest moment in your journey so far?

My journey is only really at the beggining so this is a difficult question to answer, however, when you get injured this can be a tough time. And though I've had no serious injuries so far, even when you're out for a few weeks or months, this has to be something that you can be mentally resilient about.  Everyone will have an injury at some point. It is important to stay positive, follow the advice that you are given and remember that it is only temporary.  The physio staff that have helped me so far across the last few years, during the times I have had an injury, have been excellent and it is important that you trust the people that support you. 

Transition to First Team

Can you describe your debut—how did it feel stepping onto the pitch?

My debut for the first team came just after I turned 17. I came on as a substitute in the first league game this season. Although I was little nervous, the team and the staff were incredibly supportive. It's quite a moment when you put the shirt on for the first time (with your name and squad number on it), but for me, I just enjoy playing football, so I did, and still do, try to think of it as just another game of football. 

Mindset & Growth

What does a typical training day look like for you now?

Training takes place in the evening, where possible I try to make sure I'm well rested beforehand. It's also important to try and eat well during the day, but not too close to training time.  Depending on the day, we will spend some time in the gym, working on different areas each day. Then we head to the pitch and do a pitch warm up, followed by a technical session. Usually finishing with some games, again dependent on the day and what match we have that week.

Representation & Women’s Football

Have you felt a responsibility to inspire younger girls coming through?

In some ways, yes. As I'm still so young, and have only just moved up to the first team, I do know a lot of the younger girls within the club. There are also a lot of young fans that come to watch and it's important to display the right behaviours to them. It's good for them to see that you can have success by working up through the pathway, working hard and having the right attitude. Ability will get you so far, but you have to have the other attributes too. 

Advice & Reflection

What advice would you give to young girls starting out in grassroots football today?

Firstly it doesn't matter what age you are - some start at 4, I started at 10, my Mum didn't start till she was 40 - if you want to give it a try then do it! 

Find whatever sessions you can near you and sign up to them. There are sessions now that can suit everyone, if it helps to go with a friend initially then do that - trying new things can be hard for some people but it's worth it.

And it's important to keep going, practice is important, particularly if its something you want to take as far as you can then you will need to go the extra mile. When I was younger I used to set up zones in my garden and just went out and practiced skills/shooting which helped me with my ball control (though the grass did take a bit of a battering).

And finally, don't let knock backs stop you. Injuries or not getting in when you've had a trial, or not being picked - is all part of it. And as hard as that can be it is part of the game, you just have to keep going and keep trying. Don't let anything stop you.

Sporting PB Question

What does "PB" (Personal Best) mean to you when playing?

Give 100%. Every time. You won't always have an effect on the game.  Not every pass you make will be successful. Not every shot you take will hit the target.

But you can control how much of yourself you give. And if you always give 100% then that's all anyone can ask of you.