Brighton & Hove Albion defender Beth Roe is delighted to be back in action again after recovering from a long-term ankle injury.
The youngster was enjoying a breakthrough campaign in 2016/17 until a freak injury on international duty curtailed her progress, but she explained the setback is now firmly in the past.
She said, “It [the injury] was in the last seconds of the session, I went in for a tackle and that’s when I tore a couple of ligaments in my left ankle.
“It was the first major injury I’ve ever had and mentally it was hard work for me. But I had so many people to help me get through it.
“All the girls were great and I was always having conversations with Hope [Powell], Amy [Merricks] and all the girls, who picked me up when I was down. There is always someone in the squad to help you get through things.
“It was gutting because I was playing week in week out, but it’s one of those things and you have to get on with it. Injuries are part and parcel of football and you become stronger through it.”
Roe was speaking at the club’s pre-season training camp in Portugal and she highlighted the benefits of the trip, as well as what to expect in the side’s first-ever season in the women’s top flight.
“It’s massive for us, especially being away from everything, and allows us to work on our togetherness as a team and connect with each other more. All the coaches and players can bond together, and it will be beneficial for us this season.
“We know that next season is going to be a big difference in all areas, technically, tactically and physically. We know it’s a big jump, but we know that we can adjust well.”
The 18-year-old also reflected on her incredible Albion journey to date since leaving hometown club Norwich City three years ago and believes the decision to make the move south was definitely the right one.
“At the time it was a massive gamble because I was only 16 and was thinking, ‘Am I going to make it?’ ‘Is it going to work?’ But seeing it come together with an England call-up and playing for Brighton, it’s massively paid off.
“A lot of thanks goes to my parents, who helped me get there and to Brighton, for giving me a chance.”