From footballer to agent

Michaela Gooden, former Fulham FC Women’s player, speaks on her experiences of growing up playing football in both the UK and America, the challenges she has faced and her move towards becoming an agent.

IMAGES NAHWAND JAFF

Growing up my first passion, besides playing out, was always football. Playing in the local pen (caged outdoor concrete pitch) with the boys became part of my daily routine. A routine that helped shape who I am today. My talent was recognised by a primary school teacher who then organised my first professional trial with Fulham Centre of Excellence. I joined Fulham at the tender age of nine, where I became the youngest player to play for the under-13’s and stayed there for the duration of my childhood.

Before receiving my scholarship, I had never been to America, so my expectations were built around movies and TV shows which in some way reflects how I look at my time spent in the USA. Being part of a team meant a great deal of travelling which opened my eyes to many different cultural differences.

America is a land filled with so much hidden culture; each state is like a country of its own – its wonderful but bizarre at the same time. Having to adjust to a new way of living was probably the biggest challenge. Although we speak the same language, the typical American dayto-day living is extremely different. I didn’t realise how multicultural London was until I moved to America. Growing up in London high rise blocks, public transport and local corner shops were daily sights for me whereas in America those iconic familiarities were non existent, which was something I was unprepared for. I believe the younger you are the easier you adapt to situations, hence why at 19 I took every experience in my stride – I don’t know if I’d be so adaptable today if I was challenged to do the same.

Running! Too much of it. The game is managed different in the states, they’re big on fitness whereas in the UK we focus more on simple play. I am more of a technical player and prefer to let the ball do the running for me. It sounds minimal but to strip back and simplify your style of play can be quite challenging for a player.

I’ve always consciously known that I would someday work alongside athletes but was unsure as to where my strengths lied and what career path to take. It’s not a decision I made overnight and it took some time before I made the transition, but after thorough research I noticed that there was a lack of black female agents representing both male and female players, so I saw an opening and ran with it.

I like to keep things simple and when managing an individual’s career, it simply takes a level of selflessness to ensure their priorities are put first – My approach will be unique and successful due to my natural passion for the game and my first-hand experience as an athlete. I know what players need not just professionally but emotionally too, and that is where I will excel.

The biggest challenge has been adjusting to the changes due to COVID-19. A large percentage of my job is based around networking and watching games, so it has been difficult to navigate around this but not impossible! Although it’s been challenging, I’ve also learnt many new skills during the process, with every negative comes a positive!

Keep developing, learning, growing, and giving back. U