Phillips: “This is a time of great uncertainty and fear”

National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s outfit Bankstown City knew they landed a huge signing when they picked up New Zealand ‘Ferns’ International Aimee Phillips for their 2020 season – what they didn’t know upon securing one of the best recruits in the league was that a virus called COVID-19 was set to unravel the entire world.

The 28-year-old carries a wealth of football experiences as the Rununga born star tasted football successes in Wales, Serbia and Germany where she also played UEFA Champions League football.

Jensen Park was set to have yet another female star on their pitch, but COVID-19 temporarily put an end to that for now.

“What can I say, it hasn’t been the best of stars, COVID-19 has affected me personally by creating changes in my living arrangements as well as played havoc with work and personal schedules.

“I have kept sane by continuing to train during lockdown but have adapted to online methods in keeping fit and conditioned.

“I’ve also had time to practice aspects such as my football technique but nothing can replace the team environment and vibe, I miss that badly.

“Prior to lockdown, I was a member of the Performance Playground, a gym based in North Sydney run by lovely owners Fran and James. I was working on lift classes and gymnastics. I was completing around 6 sessions a week as well as a YOYO test on top of my football training but ever since the lockdown took place, these things have been hard to come by, but I have learned to adapt.”

Work wise, Phillips runs a private English tuition business (click here for more info) so she’s been blessed with being able to do this with football coming at a standstill for now.

However, the self-isolation procedures have proved tough obstacles for the gun star to gain access to more work.

“Work has obviously become a very unstable part of my life, being a footballer and learning to deal with change is normal.

“However losing most work and needing to adapt has proven to be challenging and this has made me feel vulnerable during this time.”

The lockdown has hurt Phillips mentally but her never say die attitude and willingness to overcome any obstacle has been her positive lights in these tough times.

“It’s no secret that this is a time of great uncertainty and fear for not just me but everybody.

“It’s by no means a position anyone should ever have to encounter, although you may feel alone, you really aren’t.

“The time will pass, we won’t ever be the same, but like all challenges in life, they force us to grow as well as learn to adapt and seek positive changes in our lives.

“We are all in this together and will help each other so I wish nothing but the safety of all our football family so we can get back to playing the game we all love.”

Her love for the game is evident for all to see but it’s the people, the laughs, her Bankstown teammates and the team environment in working to one common goal and that’s winning that has been missing in Phillips life thus far.

Aimee we hear you, we cannot wait till this is all over so we can see first hand what damage you can do on the football pitch in our top tier women’s competition.

You can also check out Aimee’s personal website on www.aimeephillips.com/

Phillips putting in the hard yards during the football lockdown at her local park