Since narrowly missing out on promotion from the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League last season, management duo Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy have been busy in the transfer market in an effort to rebuild their Dartford FC Women squad.

One such arrival is strong central defender Mercedes Bromfiel, who has arrived from Bromley FC. The player has settled into the team and has been growing in confidence with good performances during the pre-season preparations.

It is believed that Mercedes is a player who will bring more toughness to games, as well as strong leadership skills which will help the team in its challenge for promotion once again. And the latter is just one of the reasons why she signed for the club…

“I signed for Dartford because, after meeting with Connor and Macca, it was clear that our values aligned. I wanted to challenge myself at a higher level, and Dartford is the perfect place for me to do this. It’s a club that is centred around hard work, family vibes, and a winning ethos. I was sold within ten minutes of our meeting to be honest, then training with the team just secured my decision, as they were so welcoming and driven to win.”

Those are key words that describe this Dartford FC Women’s squad. They’re a loving, welcoming family, yet fiercely competitive and driven to win, to succeed. And with Mercedes’ qualities added into the mix, success is surely on the horizon once again this season. But what are her qualities?

“I possess toughness on the pitch. I’ll put my body on the line in every game and I enjoy a good, physical battle. I believe my strengths are in my physicality and reading of the game. I’m also experienced, and have a lot that I can share with the team in training and during games.

“However” she continues, “I can probably be a little over-analytical of myself. I can still be thinking about a game and what else I could have done five days later.”

That’s something that she’s constantly working on because, it’s difficult enough trying to balance a working life alongside playing football at this level.

“I’m a teacher, so it’s very hard to balance life. It’s hard to properly hydrate throughout the day, no matter how hard I try. Sometimes, it can be difficult to get the rest and recovery that you need. Going from an evening game for example, and then waking up early to then be on your feet all day.

“But I do go to the gym at least twice a week and I do a lot of recovery sessions… mobility, foam rolling, massages, ice baths, etc… Keeping a routine and appreciating the opportunity that I have to play football at such a great level helps to keep me motivated though. I plan my weeks around training and game days, which helps to keep me motivated too, as they act as targets to achieve each week.”

Speaking of targets, what are Mercedes’ goals for the season and for her career?

“My goal for the season is to do anything and everything that I can to help the team get promoted. As a defender, clean sheets are always something that I aim for. Progression in the FA Cup is also exciting, so it would be good to set a new record on the round that we reach.

“As for my career, I just want to play for as many years as possible! I’ve been playing competitively since secondary school, so it’s a big part of my life.”

She continues, “I love playing football. It takes me back to a time of playing outside with my friends. Everyone had their favourite team kits on, football boots on, and we’d be playing knockouts until it was too dark to see the ball anymore! Football is a simple way to make connections with people and, when you play the game right, there’s no better feeling.”

Of course, there are always challenging times to deal with together with the good times. When Mercedes was unable to finish last season due to an injury, she found it really challenging to deal with…

“I felt helpless watching the team play. I wanted to be out on the pitch helping them. Also, having the patience to simply rest and let my body recover was really difficult. It tested me mentally.”

When she is fit to play, she’s a powerhouse in the Dartford defence, but can be versatile if needed…

“My two favourite positions are defender and striker, but it does depend on the game. I enjoy putting in a strong tackle or blocking a shot, but I also love scoring goals!”

As she says, it depends on the game, but she’ll always give one hundred percent no matter what. And, she also has her own routine which helps her to approach each matchday…

“I like to watch something in the morning that’s going to get me motivated, usually a documentary. The NFL documentaries on Netflix are a great watch! I’ll have my matchday breakfast and do any foam rolling or stretching that I need to do. I’ll also pick a good playlist for the journey, and then it’s go time where 100% is the only option on game day!”

She continues, “Our chances are very strong this season. The work and dedication that has been seen from all the players and staff during pre-season proves that. We’re not resting until we win it all!”

Such fighting words from the team’s new defender. But Mercedes knows that’s not all that’s needed…

“You can reach a certain level by yourself, but you really need the right people around you in order to really achieve. Letting people in and allowing them to help you is so important, both on and off the pitch. You must also trust the process! Keep putting the work in and the results will come.

“Consistency is key! It’s usually the things that you really don’t want to do that have the biggest results in the end. Do the one percent that others aren’t willing to do.”

SECTION TWO
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
I always have the same breakfast for game days, scrambled eggs and toast.

Favourite footballer?
Rachel Yankey, a fast and skilful player that showed true commitment to the game.

Favourite football team?
Chelsea, I’ve supported them ever since I was little.

Favourite football moment?
Playing at Selhurst Park in a cup final when I was at Uni, we lost but it was an unreal experience that I got to share with my family. The details that went in to the day, such as secret letters wishing us good luck and just playing in a professional stadium.

Biggest role model?
My Mum, she’s always supported me in anything that I do. She shows a composure to life that I try to apply to mine.

Team to watch out for in the league this season?
Us!

Who are your biggest supporters?
My family and friends, they’re at all of my games, both home and away and even in the rain or hailstones! Also my students that I teach, they come and watch when they can and are always asking for updates after a game day.

What would people be surprised to learn about you?
That I’m a black belt in karate and a British Kickboxing Champion.

What sport would you do if you didn’t play football?
Probably Motocross, I’ve ridden motorbikes since I was little and it’s hard to beat that type of adrenaline rush.

Who will win the WSL this season?
Chelsea of course!