EXCLUSIVE: Liverpool Feds captain Chantelle Thompson on why they love being the underdog | OneFootball

Chantelle Thompson (Liverpool Feds)

When Liverpool Feds skipper Chantelle Thompson was called on to the pitch at Walton Hall Park ahead of their match against Loughborough Lightning last month, she wasn’t expecting it.

It was the most delightful of surprises, though – the presentation of a bouquet from club chairman Bill Stewart to mark her club record 450th appearance in Feds colours.

After 18 years at Feds, more than half as captain, Thompson knew the milestone was coming up this season, but did not think it was going to be so early.

“That was a nice little surprise,” she recalls to SheKicks.net. “I wasn’t expecting any of that, so that was lovely. All my mates were there as well, which made it even nicer.”

Chantelle Thompson: Everyone looks out for everyone

In the early years of Thompson’s footballing career, she played for Everton and the team she supports, Manchester United, but found what she describes as a “home” and a family with Feds. Her best friend Amy Seagraves was also with the club, which was another draw, but even after she retired, there was no question about Thompson remaining.

“We’ve got this unbelievable group. Even when the changes come in and people leave and people join, they’re always the right people, and they just seem to fit in.  That’s the culture of the club and how the club is run and how they make it work that allows that environment.”

As captain, Thompson plays an important role in promoting that culture.

“It’s difficult to sell it to new players who might be thinking about coming,” she admits. “It’s only when they actually get there and they feel it and they see it themselves, they’re like, ‘Yeah, I get what you mean.’

“We can’t promise five days’ training and we’re not getting paid, but we can promise that you’ll enjoy your football, you’ll be in a safe environment, you get looked after, and you’ll be in that family setting, everyone looks out for everyone. When people turn up and they actually see that, that’s the buy-in.”

Chantelle Thompson: It’s difficult being a club like us

Liverpool Feds’ ethos and operation are special. They are an independent club and provide football only for women and girls. In the FA Women’s National League Northern Premier, the third tier of women’s football in England, they compete against plenty of teams who are fully integrated with a men’s club, and who have a sizeable playing budget.

And that’s another element that keeps Thompson motivated: “I love that we’re the underdogs. I love that we’re a women’s-only team. We’re not backed by anyone.”

Of course, it also presents some problems – not least being unable to entice top players with money or signing-on fees. In fact, none of the squad are full-time; Thompson, for example, works as a civil servant.

“It’s so difficult being a club like us, but people only have to look at how well we’re doing with limited resources. That must make them question, ‘How are they doing so well?’ and that’s where we back up with, ‘It’s because of the culture that we set within this team.’ That is why we do so well.”

‘Walton Hall Park is like a carpet’

Feds had a fantastic stroke of fortune this year as they were able to move their home games to Walton Hall Park – recently vacated by Women’s Super League side Everton, who have taken over Goodison Park. That facility has added to the portfolio Feds are proud to offer their players.

“Wwe can’t offer the money, but we can offer player experience now. Walton Hall is a WSL-standard facility – it’s like a carpet,” she says, adding that fans get a better experience as well.

Feds are fifth in the league so far this season, with three wins and a draw to their credit.

“We lost quite a few dual signings at the end of last season [when players can be registered to Feds as well as another club], and a couple of others. We have a bit of a smaller squad this year, and with a few additions, it’s just clicked, really.

“Walton Hall Park is a massive thing. We like to play nice football. We’re playing on such a big, gorgeous pitch – that helps us, and it just excites everyone.

“And everyone’s just really excited what we can try and achieve.

“Money is not everything – and we’re really punching above our weight.”