A blackbelt in karate and a British title-winning kickboxer, Mercedes Bromfield had the martial arts world at her feet.

But her passion for kicking a ball, rather than a bag or opponent, proved the driving force in her final sporting decisions.

Having played alongside and been coached by some of the most-recognised names in women’s football during her career, such as Kelly Smith, Jen Beattie and Kim Little, Mercedes reached a crossroads in her life where it had to be either martial arts or football, with football winning the battle.

And now, as she prepares to take on a QPR side one division above in the FA Cup this weekend, she is looking forward to a battle of a different nature.

She said: “I started out in karate when I was nine and was at blackbelt at 12. I then got into kickboxing where I won the British title and took a bronze in the World Championships for the 65kg and under category.

“But I had been playing football for Crystal Palace at the same time and then I went to the University of Hertfordshire where I played with the likes of Kim Little and was coached by Kelly Smith.

“When I left university, I wanted to stay in football and the training and match days made it impossible to keep everything going.

“I often wonder what would have happened if I’d pushed on with the martial arts, but I don’t have any regrets.

“I love the game and I love matches like the one coming up with QPR when my team is seen as an underdog. It really sees me raise my game.”

Mercedes was playing at Crystal Palace at 11, before leaving around a decade later to start a Sport Science degree. After leaving university she played at Whyteleafe, then Bromley, before joining Dartford this summer as a centre back.

While she hasn’t competed in martial arts for over 10 years, at the age of 34 she still trains in the gym with a kick-bag – and believes her sporting background has kept her in good shape.

She continued: “It’s made me fit, for sure. I always looked after my body due to the martial arts – I wasn’t one to party at university, I was always at the gym. I’d say I’m in good shape for my age, it’s probably given me an extra 10 years in the game than I’d have had otherwise. There are also things like knowing how to correct your body during a movement, I feel like not all sports allow for that, whereas kickboxing helps with these quick adjustments during a match.

“My flexibility has been pretty good and I haven’t really had any muscular injuries over the years, most of my injuries have been through high impact.

“It’s also made me watch what I put into my body. I try to focus on lean meats, a lot of vegetables and good carbs in the house, as well as all the supplements for joints and so on.”

Mercedes, a teacher in Bromley by day, joined a Dartford team which finished second to Fulham in the London and South East Premier league last season – with three cup wins in two seasons to their name.

But she has joined a side looking to go one better this year in the league – and they have started the season in fine form, winning five out of five in the league. Now, they’d love to take the scalp of QPR in the cup as well.

She added: “There’s a raw fighting spirit at Dartford that I love. No matter what’s happening at training or on the pitch, literally everyone wants to achieve for each other.

“Everyone here has a shared goal and everyone who comes to watch me says how good the football is here. It’s fierce and enjoyable to watch. We’ve got such strong individual talent, but it’s blended together so well.

“We are excited to be playing QPR, but we’re not overawed. We are in every game to win.”

Dartford Women take on QPR Women this Sunday, 5 October at Princes Park – 2pm K.O.

This article also appeared in Womens Football Magazine, formerly She Kicks, this week. You can read it here