CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET ELLIE DOLBY

Last weekend saw Dartford host Whitehawk at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park. Dartford FC Women right-back Ellie Dolby featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article:

SECTION ONE

Ellie Dolby was signed by Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy from the London City Lionesses during the off-season. And, the youngster has hit the ground running for this incarnation of the Dartford FC Women side.

The 20-year-old right wingback/right-back has made twelve league appearances so far, seven of which have been in the starting eleven. She has also chipped in by scoring twice so far, as the ladies continue to steamroll their way through the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League.

With the league taking a break during the Christmas and New Year period, Dartford FC Women remain at the top of the table with 32 points from thirteen games played to date. That’s an impressive record of ten victories and two draws, which sees the side sitting four points clear of second-placed Dorking Wanderers Women. No wonder Ellie, like her teammates, is in a good mood during the time of our discussion…

“I’m doing very well thank you Chris. How are you?” (I’m very well too thanks Ellie!)

She continues, “Honestly, it feels like such an honour to be playing for this team. This group of girls, and the whole staff, are unbelievable. I’m enjoying every minute that I’m out there on the pitch playing for this team.”

It’s no secret that Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy had ambitions of pushing the team to the next level after a record-breaking campaign last year. And, their signings certainly seem to replicate the duos ambitions. Why did Ellie come on board?

“I signed for Dartford this season because, I fell in love with the club as soon as I walked through the door.” (I can certainly relate to that!)

She continues, “The environment and ambition throughout is second to none. Coming down to train with the team last season made me realise instantly how special this team is. I could see how much passion Macca and Connor had, their love for the game really shows in how hard they were working for the girls. It was just something that I knew I had to be a part of.”

Being only twenty, Ellie is one of the youngest players within the Dartford FC Women’s camp. Her playing history is still relatively fresh in her mind, as she explains…

“I started my career at grassroots. I then went to Millwall for a couple of seasons. I believe that, going to Millwall really helped me to see the more serious and professional side of football compared to Sunday League. And, playing against big clubs meant that I gained a lot of experience.

“Comparing grassroots at an all-boys’ team to playing for Millwall, they both brought different aspects of the game for me. Playing with and against boys made me not fear who I’d come up against because, they’d generally be a bit bigger than me. But I got used to that. Playing at Millwall gave me more knowledge of the game. In training, we would go into more depth on the game and how to play.”

She continues, “This is actually my fourth season back in football. I took approximately five years out and just focused on running and doing that competitively. So far, in the last four years, things have been progressing well. Here at Dartford, I’ve already learnt so much and have become so much more of a mature player. I know these girls (and guys) will take me far!”

Outside of the beautiful game, Ellie is at university studying a Criminology and Sociology Degree full-time. She also works as a football coach. Despite studying something different, is it fair to say that she loves the sport?

“I definitely do Chris! I love football so much, and would really love to have a career in football. I’ve always wanted to be in football and within sports.

“Football has always been something that I hope to remain in for the future, and it still is. I hope to carry on playing football for as long as possible, and keep going in an upwards direction. It’s my passion and it’s what I’m working towards.”

Ellie’s passion for the sport is loud and clear for all to see. Yet, it’s also good to have a backup plan. Her full-time studies of Criminology and Sociology must take up an awful lot of her time, let alone her exploits in coaching football as well as playing it!

How does she maintain her fitness and general wellbeing while juggling everything else?

“Work generally gets the priority Chris. Once I’ve done my work for the day, I’ll head to the gym or go out on a run. I also make sure I’m analysing our games… anything to add to my game and get better!

“Outside of Dartford training, I get to the gym at least twice a week, where I focus on improving my strength and a little bit of fitness. I run and also do hill sprints to work on my speed. Going out on runs also helps with clearing my head and being able to stay focused on my tasks.”

This right-footed defender/wingback is certainly highly focused and determined. Both are traits that are helping her develop her game, as well as helping her teammates during another incredible season for the side.

Yet, there’s another important element when it comes to helping teams achieve success. And, as our conversation reaches its end, I’ll let Ellie say a few words to that important element… the Dartford faithful…

“I’d like to say, thank you so much for your support so far this season. It’s been amazing. The whole team appreciates everyone who turns up for us, and it makes us want to turn up and do our very best for you guys!”

SECTION TWO
Faith or Superstition?
Both.

Favourite Food?
Mac & Cheese.

Favourite Drink?
Citrus Oasis or Tea.

TV Series or Film?
Film, Stand By Me!

Music or Podcast?
Music.

Sporting Hero?
Eden Hazard.

Non-Sporting Hero?
My Dad.

Do you follow any other sports besides football?
I mostly follow football, I do enjoy watching the athletics when that is on too!

Biggest influence in the dressing room?
Emily Woodhouse. She always brings the energy and positivity!!

What football players, past or present, would make up your dream five-a-side team?
That’s a tough one!
Virgil van Dijk (Liverpool)
Chloe Kelly (Manchester City)
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Eden Hazard (ex-Chelsea)
Wayne Rooney (ex-Manchester United)

By Chris Palmer

The post CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET ELLIE DOLBY appeared first on Dartford Football Club Official Website.