Chelsea’s Niamh Charles says she has “struggled mentally” on her journey to the top but is now in a good place after seeking help and becoming a regular starter for the Lionesses.
The 24-year-old defender has started each of the last six England matches after her involvement against Austria and Italy last week, while 11 of Charles’ 15 international caps, including her first Women’s World Cup campaign this summer, have come since the start of a sensational 2023.
But it hasn’t all been plain sailing for the left-back, who has admitted for the first time that she has sought mental health help to cope with life on and off the field.
“In the last few years, there have been times when I have struggled mentally,” Charles tells Standard Sport. “There are times when I’ve needed help, and thankfully, I got help and spoke to someone. Those were just small instances, but I also realised it is not just about when I am struggling and need help.
“But now it is a completely everyday thing. I am in a great place and I am aware of things I can do to keep myself in it. Just talking about it makes a big difference.”
Charles has been racking up goals, assists and clean sheets in the Women’s Super League, receiving October’s Player of the Month award and being named in the inaugural WSL Team of the Year for 2023.
The left-back was rewarded with a new three-year contract extension until 2027 last month but says it has been a silent struggle to reach this point, adding: “It is a journey, but definitely this year, I’ve worked hard on it, and it has probably made the biggest difference.”
In a breakthrough year for club and country, Charles will donate one percent of her salary to Create the Space, an initiative through Common Goal, which encourages conversations about mental health in football. More than encouraging conversations, Create the Space is driving action on mental health in football by upskilling coaches — from grassroots to the elite game — to ensure everyone within football can express themselves freely on the pitch.
She hopes to normalise the conversation around mental health: “Chelsea and England are really fortunate places for me to be, but hopefully all the conversations will make a more positive future.”
Sarina Wiegman will remain England's manager after renewing her contract to take her through to the 2027 World Cup last month. She will lead the Lionesses to a defence of their European Championship as qualifying begins this year.
“The potential in this group is exciting,” Charles continues. “It’s nice to work on getting to the next level, and I'm excited that Sarina will lead that — what she has achieved in the short term is already massive. Everyone is on the same page and knows this is how we play and our identity, even if we are from different clubs.
“To know she isn't done with the group and we’re all staying together is exciting.”
“She leaves a legacy in the women's game and Chelsea... but for us, it’s just business.”
Emma Hayes will, however, leave Chelsea at the end of the season to manage the United States at the Summer Olympics.
She will hope to add to her 12 trophies won in west London but has recently made Charles one of her captains as she bids to leave the club in a better place.
Charles hopes to repay Hayes, having recently been described as a good “communicator” with “emotional intelligence” by the legendary coach: “She brought me in, and ever since then, there has been a lot of growth I have had to do. She’s has supported me and challenged me. It’s not always been easy.
"But remember when I first came in, she said she had done this many times before and I should trust her with my journey and progression. I appreciate her for my growth as a person and player, with my tactical awareness, and for becoming a better footballer.
“She leaves a legacy in the women's game and Chelsea. But for us, it is just business, business, business. It is nice she is being celebrated, but nothing has changed internally. We will keep battling on all fronts, try to be successful and hopefully create some special memories together.”
