We’re delighted footballer Abbie Jackson is back for another season, backing the Essex Blades. Her taste of the game began at just four years old. From playing with local boys' teams to making her mark in the women's national league, her determination to rise to the top is both credible and relatable. Here she shares personal tips on how she balances the demands of being a top-level athlete with academic excellence and what inspired her to take her skills to the next level.
Introducing…Abbie Jackson
How did you start playing football, and what inspired you to continue at the university level?
I started playing football at the age of four at a local boys’ team and haven’t looked back since. At ten I moved into academy football at Colchester United, until thirteen when it changed into Essex RTC and stayed until the U16s. I then moved to Ipswich Town playing in their U21s and first team for three seasons. I’ve now been at Cambridge United for two seasons playing in the women’s national league.
Seeing the level the university team played inspired me to play top-level against the best teams across the country.
What were the key factors in your decision to join the university team?
The girls and coaches were a big reason why I joined. Their coaching to progress as a player made me want to be a part of it. Also how welcoming everyone was, made me feel as though I had been with the group for years even though it was the first time meeting the majority of the team.
How did you manage your time between sports commitments and your studies?
Playing at university and outside could be tough. Training evenings after studying all day was draining and hard. However, if you want it enough, you will make it work - that’s the mindset you’ve got to take into your studies as well. I used any spare time I had, coach journeys, or the odd 30 minutes here and there to stay on top of work.
What advice would you give students looking to balance their studies and sports effectively?
I would say the biggest piece of advice would be to manage your time effectively. Busy schedules, late nights, or early mornings that sport brings you, use your time wisely ahead of deadlines to make sure you can get the best out of your degree, sport, and university life. Have fun and enjoy yourself too.
What was your experience like as the captain of the women's football team?
I loved every minute of it. It was a privilege to be given the role and made my year special. It was tough for everyone involved but having the rest of the committee and team around me putting in lots of hard work and persevering through the tough times, helped make it a success for everyone.
What was the camaraderie like?
It was like one big family. Everyone cared and we all got along. It is important because many students are living away from home and need people around them. So, for a family environment to be created, it helps students to settle in and know they have people to speak to if they need. We would also do lots of activities, like movie nights, breakfasts, and team trips keeping us together and closer as a team.
Memorable moments with the Essex Blades team?
Derby Day wins, bus journeys to away games, strong friendships, and winning team of the year at the sports awards were great achievements for us all.
How did your BUCS league and Derby Day achievements shape your university experience?
Feeling part of something bigger with like-minded people, who enjoy the same sports or societies, helped to create a bond and friendship that will last a long time. Some of my favourite university moments have been filled during Wednesdays when playing sports, especially beating UEA on Derby Day!
What made you decide to shift your focus from Sports Science to coaching?
I found that I enjoyed the more practical side of my sports science degree and started working on my coaching badges. I feel combining my sports science degree and coaching will help me better understand players and adapt to lots of different situations. I also found a passion for coaching when I helped a local club at home. Being able to give back my knowledge and improve an athlete’s performance would be an amazing feeling.
How has your academic background in Sports and Exercise Science influenced your approach to coaching?
Sports and Exercise Science influenced my approach to coaching because it allows me to address all aspects of a player’s development by learning biomechanics, nutrition, psychology, etc. As well as help with injury prevention and management, building technical and tactical knowledge alongside scientific knowledge behind each athlete.
Why do you want to continue your studies as a postgraduate at Essex? What course are you focusing on?
I have enjoyed my undergrad here and couldn’t think of a better place to continue my Masters. The teaching is to a high standard and my university life has been really enjoyable. I also love playing football here and was a major reason why I chose Essex over anywhere else.
I have decided to study an MSc in Sport Coaching Practice as the next step to pursuing a career in coaching.
What are your career goals in coaching, and how do you plan to achieve them?
I’d love to coach, gain my pro licence and work with players at the highest level. Helping a player’s ability by as little as 1% and knowing I have influenced their career is a big part of why I want to coach.
I plan to continue gaining my badges and coaching experience, to help me pursue a job, following my master’s degree.
What tips do you have for students looking to play football at the university’s level?
Enjoy the experience and embrace every opportunity. Playing at university is a big achievement so work hard to stay there. Combining sports and studies can be hard; training in the evenings and studying during the day, assignments, and coursework, there are many things to think about. Create time and keep on top of it – you’ll love the experience of being a student-athlete.
What should students look for in a university sports program?
A high level of coaching to help you progress and succeed as a player. Moving away from home can be difficult but having quality coaches/staff and good teammates around certainly helps. They become your support and second family. This was a key reason why I joined Essex and that amazing team spirit usually leads to great success too!
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