[Interview with Liverpool FC Women’s Physical Performance Coach] How to be fearless despite challenges and become a better self!

2023-09-25

5 Mins Read

It’s perhaps a commonly held belief that the world of football is dominated by men, when in fact, women have been playing an increasingly key role, whose performance on and off the pitch are by no means inferior to men’s. Like the Women’s World Cup just recently held in July, the number of competing teams has increased to an unprecedented 32, while the size of the audiences is similarly striking, be they in the stadium or in front of television, triggering a wave of global attention and conversations. The female footballers also delighted audiences with a fantastic performance, letting the world know that the game of football has long smashed stereotypical barriers and is no longer the sole plaything of the men.

The fact that women football is gradually recognised by the public, is due not only to the hard work of the female players, but also all the women serving in various positions outside the pitch. As the Official Principal Partner of Liverpool FC, AXA is honoured to invite Danielle Williams, the Physical Performance Coach of Liverpool FC Women, to share about the challenges she faced in her football career.

Even though Danielle has joined Liverpool FC Women for nearly two years, Liverpool’s ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ spirit still enthuses her and maintains her passion for the ‘job’. ‘To be honest I just find it really rewarding with this job. It is quite a tight family environment and you know there is a lot of teamwork. And we also have a bit more fun as well while we are at it.’

Speaking of her day job, even though Danielle is a physical performance coach, compared to the training of the body however, what she values more is mental wellbeing. ‘So the main target with them is just to keep them motivated and we just stay really positive!” As Danielle puts it, keeping players passionate is the more effective way to energise and motivate them, as well as the biggest challenge of her work. ‘Motivation, stimulation are really important to help the girls stay motivated. Keep reinforcing them that what they are doing is good, and then that helped them to push on with their gym sessions.’ Danielle’s training regime which puts ‘mentality’ at the heart of it, successfully helped players lift heavier weights, and achieve better results in the games.

Fewer pressures bring better performance

However, long seasons always have their highs and lows, for the athletes, it’s not easy to keep the flame on during long training. As Coach, what Danielle can do is to motivate herself first. ‘There have been times and seasons where things haven’t been that easy, and you know it’s been quite easy to be able to put your head down. So just staying positive with the girls has kept them positive, and it has helped them just to push through the hard challenges.’

The reason Danielle practises that, is because she has found a close clink between mind and physical health. The healthier the players’ mind, the fewer pressures they experience, and the happier they are, raising their performance during training and competitions. ‘I see that link within their physical performance as well, so they are playing better because they are happier.’

Both men and women deserve to dream big

Leading a group of girls to go through tough training every day, and ultimately realising their football dream, in the eyes of Danielle, football does not just belong to boys or girls. ‘Just believe in yourself. If you have got a passion in football, go and follow it. You know being a female, it is not going to stop you from being able to perform.’ As Danielle reminds us, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, girls all round the world, not just in Liverpool FC, are chasing their football dream, fearless of the challenges, and accomplishing more for themselves. ‘We are more than capable of doing exactly the same things that men can do. Just don’t let that hold you back. If it is something you want to do then go work hard for it!’

Watch the video now and witness the journey of Danielle Williams, Liverpool FC Women’s Physical Performance Coach.

No warranty or responsibility is assumed by AXA Hong Kong and our related or holding companies regarding non-infringement, security, accuracy, completeness, adequacy, reasonableness, fitness for a purpose or free from computer viruses in connection with the information and materials provided. AXA Hong Kong and our related companies and holding companies do not accept any liability for any loss, damage, cost or other expense, whether wholly or partially, directly or indirectly, arising from any error, inaccuracy or omission of the information and materials to the extent that such liability is not excluded by law.