From My Side: What It Means to be a Female Football Player
Payton Timmons with coach.
September 28, 2022
It can and is hard being a girl in a male dominated sport. I usually find myself feeling weaker than my teammates and I oftentimes struggle to get better. Coming out of the youth league I was a superstar lineman. I was stronger than the boys and was one of the star players on the team. Now, I’m good but way far from being a superstar. A part of the reason is being on a higher level but another reason is the guys are getting stronger and faster at a quicker pace than I am. The hard part of being a girl playing football isn’t the doubt people give me. The hardest part is keeping up with my teammates. I normally have to work twice as hard just to be as good because of the fact they are getting better at a faster pace than I am.
Last year I definitely felt out of place. Youth League and JV are two totally different environments. And being a girl on a high school football team made me feel even more out of place. Over the last year or so I’ve definitely grown more comfortable with the environment and my teammates and I appreciate the environment and the teammates that surround me.
Even in today’s day and age there’s still that one person that has something to say about girls playing football. On the opposing team there is almost always someone having something to say. There have been occasions where the talking was from my teammates. It’s only happened once to my knowledge but the fact it happened just goes to show that even in modern times there is still always someone that has something to say about the fact i’m a female.
Additionally, the facility is not built for girls. I have to change in the equipment room, and, regularly, while I’m changing the coaches have to wait for me to get equipment for their players. Other times players are already in the equipment room and I have to wait for them to leave just to change. It doesn’t cause too many problems but it would be nice to have it more gender friendly.
The challenges I face don’t change the devotion I have for this sport. Playing football you face a lot of obstacles and being a female adds to it but I am willing to fight through the challenges and get better.
Jackie burland (staff) • Oct 12, 2022 at 8:32 am
We love you so much Payton and I will always support you no matter what. Keep it up and remember you are just as good if not better than your teammates.
Heather Shackelford • Oct 12, 2022 at 6:49 am
Great article! You are awesome! Keep up the great work it will pay off. You don’t have to grow as fast as them just do what you gotta do and stay dedicated and you will live your dream. You are an inspiration for allot of females and you have so much support from your friends, family and teammates. Gloucester is proud of you!
Heather Jackson • Sep 29, 2022 at 11:15 am
Awesome article! Keep speaking up for yourself and the rest of us. You are an inspiration.
Jessica Pryor • Sep 28, 2022 at 9:28 pm
Peyton, you are an inspiration to everyone. We all question if we are good enough. Just remember you are good enough, strong enough, and just brave. You are fighting all obstacles to do what you enjoy. You have heart. Always remember that and you will do well in football and life in general. Keep on doing what you love and have fun. Best of luck, you rock. I love your article.
A Coach • Sep 28, 2022 at 5:18 pm
My only hope is that you believe what everyone who has been watching you play for years, already knows. You are strong enough. More importantly you are driven and have always been an outstanding teammate, even when you didn’t know your coaches and teammates’ parents were watching. We continue to be impressed with who you are and who you will become. Well written article, young lady.
Lauren Reighard • Sep 28, 2022 at 2:59 pm
Great article!!! Way to go Payton!! Keep up good/hard work!!! You are and will be amazing!!!
Tabatha Murrell • Sep 28, 2022 at 2:12 pm
Great article this is a struggle you will face alot in your life keep working hard to break those barriers and show them theres nothing you cant do!!! We are so proud of the commitment and hard work we’ve seen you show over the years! Your such an amazing person and player!! Great job!
Greg Moore • Sep 28, 2022 at 12:44 pm
Great article written by an even greater person! Keep grinding and doing what you do, we’re always pulling for you around the Moore house.
Kate McGregor • Sep 28, 2022 at 11:07 am
You are stronger than you know and you’re paving the way for girls after you. Who knows how many ladies have abandoned dreams of playing or maybe turned away from the sport altogether because they couldn’t do what you are and have been doing for years! Way To Go!! And keep up the hard work- it’ll take you far in life. ❤️