CLASS OF 2024-25 | MEET MEGHAN MCKEAG

Dartford hosted Hastings United at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park on Saturday the 15th of March. Dartford FC Women defender Meghan McKeag featured in our matchday programme that afternoon. For those who missed it, here is the full article:

SECTION ONE
Meghan McKeag arrived at the Dartford FC Women’s camp at the start of the 2022-23 season. And since her arrival, she has made 39 appearances (34 starts) and scored twice.

In fact, her statistics show that she is the number one Left-Back at the club… until unluckily being ruled out by injury this term. Yet, despite the setback, the ripe 35-year-old (her words not mine!) hasn’t lost any of her sense of humour, as she supports her teammates and recovers on the sidelines.

Meghan, like the entire Dartford FC Women squad, has every reason to be in a positive mood during the time of our discussion over WhatsApp. Afterall, Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy’s outfit returned home from a crucial 1-0 win away at Saltdean United last time out. Brionne Fowle was the player who scored to seal the three points.

The result sees the side remain at the top of the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League table, with 42 points from 17 fixtures. That’s a record of 13 wins and just one defeat, which keeps them seven points clear of Dorking Wanderers Women in second place.

While her teammates continue to register the points, Meghan remains in a positive frame of mind…

“I’m well thank you Chris. I’m on the longer than anticipated road to recovery, but making progress… slowly but surely!”

She continues, “It’s felt bitter-sweet for me personally this year, as I’ve missed all of it so far due to the injury. But I’ve been able to support the girls, who have been outstanding! I’m still super happy to be involved with the club, and I look forward to getting back out there with the girls.”

This is Meghan’s third campaign with Dartford. Why did she decide to remain at Bericote Powerhouse Princes Park?

“Joining Dartford FC Women back in 2022 reignited my passion and love for football. My ambitions have remained… to gain promotion and to pick up as much silverware en route. I also decided to stay because, I want to continue developing on a personal level.”

Like her teammates, Meghan works outside of the sport. She likes to spend her free time with her partner, family, and friends. Ordinarily and injury-free, she’d train every day and also spend time doing things that feel good for the soul, for she’s a spiritual person. Travelling is also of major importance to her too.

“Yeah, having to work a full-time job alongside playing competitively and sustaining the fitness levels required to compete can be a tough task! All the girls will relate I’m sure… but, I’ve been doing it for MANY years now, so I’ve become good at knowing my body and what it needs. I know whether it’s time to push further, or to rest and recover. As you get older, it’s more and more important to take care of yourself both physically and mentally.”

She continues, “When I’m able to, I try to train every day to keep myself fit and healthy, which makes the footballing part as enjoyable as possible. I also combine strength training, yoga, performance-based nutrition, and SLEEP… as much and as often as possible… ZZZ!! Red Bull also helps a bunch!!!”

Meghan’s knowledge and discipline to keep herself fit has been instrumental in helping her maintain the level of football that she’s played at. This left-footed (almost entirely!! – Meghan) player has represented no fewer than eleven clubs (including the Darts), starting with Leyton Orient…

“Yeah, I started at a very young age at the Leyton Orient Centre of Excellence, which kickstarted my career in association with big clubs. I then had the privilege to attend the Arsenal Ladies Academy, as well as the Chelsea Ladies Academy. They were foundational days in terms of my knowledge, experience, and exposure to top-tier football, coaching, and competition.

“I would encourage anyone with the ambition to attend an Academy and to go for it. It’s an incredible environment to learn and to evolve as a player and as a person.”

Following her stints with The O’s, Gunners, and Blues, Meghan’s journey took her to Charlton Women, Millwall Lionesses, Watford Ladies, London Bees, Tottenham Hotspur Ladies, Crystal Palace Women, and Moneyfields WFC, before she signed for the Darts. Is she happy with how her career has panned out?

“Yes Chris, I feel entirely satisfied with my playing career. I’d just love to be eighteen again now though, especially with all the current opportunities out there following the rise of the women’s game. Obviously, at the tender age of 35, being a full-time professional player isn’t possible now. But, I’ve been very blessed in my footballing career. To have experienced playing professionally was a wonderful blessing, for which I’m super grateful for.”

What about the future?

“My immediate aim is to get back to full fitness and to squeeze as much out of football as I’m able to… You’re a long time not playing… as they say. I’d also like to be as successful as possible with this incredible bunch at Dartford FC Women!”

With her years of experience, positive attitude, and wonderful sense of humour, Meghan’s return to the pitch cannot come soon enough. I’m sure you’ll all join me in wishing her all the best in her journey to recovery.

For the time being though, her experience and support on the sidelines is of equal importance to her teammates and the supporters. And as our conversation draws to an end, I’ll let Meghan have the final words…

“I’d just like to say thanks for all your efforts to make it to games in all weather conditions. Thank you for supporting the girls by consistently showing up, as well as supporting us over social media, etc… It means a lot to everyone involved and is fully appreciated.”

SECTION TWO
Faith or Superstition?
Faith – the spiritual kind.

Favourite Food?
Roast with a larger than necessary Yorkshire pudding!

Favourite Drink?
Iced Hazelnut Oat Milk Latte, Amaretto Sour, Dr Pepper Zero!

TV Series or Film?
TV Series.

Music or Podcast?
Music.

Sporting Hero?
Ashley Cole was always my footballing Icon.

Non-Sporting Hero?
The Loves in my Life who keep me going.

Do you follow any other sports besides football?
I am partial to Athletics & American Football.

Biggest influence in the dressing room?
Music. Vibes. Pre-match snacks. Pre-match talk. Energy Drinks!!!

What football players, past or present, would make up your dream five-a-side team?
Meghan chose seven…!
David Seaman (ex-Arsenal)
Ashley Cole (ex-Arsenal)
Faye White (ex-Arsenal Women)
Patrick Vieira (ex-Arsenal)
Dennis Bergkamp (ex-Arsenal)
Thierry Henry (ex-Arsenal)
Kelly Smith (ex-Arsenal Women)
Can you tell I’m a Gooner?

By Chris Palmer

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