Nicola Henderson is a 30-year-old former Canada Women’s Pro League centre-midfielder who has helped Needham Market have a strong first season in the Eastern League so far.
Moving up from the Suffolk League last term, Needham Market have two crucial games against Division 1 North leaders Cambridge City Development still to play, following three postponements against them since mid-December. Their last match was a very respectable 3-1 County Cup semi-final exit to Ipswich Town, having been thrashed 8-0 by the same opponents in the 2019 final.
Can you tell us a little of your footballing history and any personal high points?
I’ve played football since I was 7, with a brief season off when I was 9 to try baseball (let’s all laugh together). Highlights for me would be playing in the Canadian Professional Soccer League when I was 16, and placing second at Nationals with my College team.
How has your team’s season been going and have you been happy with the campaign so far?
Our season has been going well. I’m so proud of the team and the efforts they’ve put into this season. We came into it with a focus on fitness and creating angles to play to feet on the pitch. We’re a different team than when we started and it’s been incredible to be a part of.
Any rising stars, club veterans and/or stand-out personalities that our readers should know about?
We have three girls from the Reserves squad – Ash Goddard (right back), Amy Dunn (centre back) and Abbie Wilkinson (right wing) – that consistently play for the first team and they hold their own every time they step foot on the pitch. Last year was their first year in a women’s league and they were a bit tentative. This year, they’re making brilliant tackles and runs against women that have been playing this level for years. Their confidence in their abilities has increased tenfold, and rightfully so. I’d say keep an eye out, but if you’ve watched any of our games – you know who they are!
What are your hopes for your team and/or personal aims once you can resume playing?
I think we’re hoping to carry on as we have been thus far: getting into a league and grafting until we get to the top. We’re in third now, and it will be disappointing to not be able to fight for a higher spot in the coming weeks. There’s always room to develop and if we progress in the same way we have been, then the only way is up!
Any football-related things you will be doing to help fill the void?
Our team is going to be doing some shared workouts through our group chat in the coming weeks in light of training being cancelled. There’s a TikTok challenge happening of keep-ups with loo roll, so we’re getting a few entries ready for that! The season may be finished, but the Needham Market Women are just getting started.
Hoping the season will be successfully finished – Stef Harvey (Wyre Forest Phoenix)
