Page 3 - Women's Soccer Scene Issue No.27 2021-22

Chesham’s “unique” captain?

Chesham United are claiming something of a 'first'
in the FA Women's National League, with the news
that their captain and long serving player Dawne
Campbell recently became a grandmother.
Dawne's daughter gave birth to a baby girl,
named Aylani Rose, earlier this month and the
prospect of a grandparent playing in the women's
game, particularly within the top four tiers, is a
rarity.
"It feels great to become a grandparent," a
proud Dawne told Women's Soccer Scene. "I had
the privilege of being at her birth and also had two
weeks off work to spend with my daughter and
granddaughter. Her name is Aylani Rose.
"I would be very surprised if I wasn’t the
only grandmother still playing FAWNL, yes I am
very proud that I am still playing. I might get the
odd age comment from the opposition, also at
training from our girls too! I take it in good fun for
now, that might change when I fail to be able to
compete with them though! For now all is good though."
Dawne has been an amazing servant to Chesham United over the years, through
good times and bad, and is currently in her 24th season with the club. She was a part
of the original squad which reached the then FA Women’s Premier League, and after
the club was forced to climb back up the women’s football pyramid once again, she
captained them to Southern Region League title in 2017 and back into the National
League, where they have remained ever since.
"Yes, I'm still very much enjoying my time playing for Chesham," she said. "The
days following a Sunday are slightly less enjoyable with the recovery after the game
though.
"Or course it would be great if Aylani decided she wanted to play football, I’d be
on the side line every week for sure. My daughter wasn’t interested in playing, so
maybe it skipped a generation!"
On the pitch, Chesham have had a good season in FAWNL Division One South
West and currently lie in third place in the table. They also reached the Final of the
Berks & Bucks County Cup - where Aylani attended one of her grandmother's matches
for the first time (pictured) - and Dawne is confident that the progression the club has
made is set to continue.
"This season has been good for us," she said. "There were a few games that we
probably could and should have won that we didn’t quite manage to finish off, but
that’s football.
"I can see the team continuing to improve, with the money coming into the
league that can only lead to better things to come."
Issue no. 27 - 24 March 2022 news@womenssoccerscene.co.uk