A true inspiration: football ace shares everything – Emilia Panthelides, DAOS
For those who don’t know you, tell us about your career so far.
I used to play for a Sunday League team called the Whetstone Wanderers. From there, he attended Spurs summer school and was picked up by one of the scouts when he was about eight years old. I was on a long trial with the Spurs and when I was playing U-12 football, I finally agreed to a deal. So I was with the Spurs from age 12 to 18. During that time I had quite a few injuries and when I was in U15 I was told I wasn’t good enough. That ignited a switch in me and at the age of 15 I really broke out of my shell and took on the role of left back and made it my own.I fought and at the age of 16 his two years won a scholarship. I didn’t particularly like living away from home, but I learned a lot from the Spurs. They mostly taught me the education they gave me on the pitch, and how to deal with psychological battles off the pitch.
At the end of my scholarship, I signed my first professional contract. I was driving to play my first day as a pro and had a serious car accident. For ten months, the medical staff had no idea what was wrong with me. I was in so much pain, couldn’t kick a ball, couldn’t exercise at all, and was afraid my career was over.
After that, I took matters into my own hands, went to a specialist clinic, and combined intensive physical rehabilitation with specialty medications with the goal of proving to the Spurs that I was fit. Unfortunately they disagreed and let me go. That year took a toll on my body which led to other injuries and these took me another year out of football.
He then went on trial at Championship club Brentford. They decided to keep me there for a year so that I could improve myself, increase my fitness and play as many games as possible. It was shortened to March 2013.
After eight months away from football and out of contract, he started training on his own until an opportunity arose at Crawley. The rest is history. I was at Crawley for three years, had to win my place and keep my shirt, and played nearly 70 games. For those of you who have been told ‘maybe’, being on the verge of playing 80 games is a very proud moment. Clearly a Leeds game – it’s been incredible so far.
What achievement in your career are you most proud of?
In his seventh game for Crawley, he faced Leeds in the FA Cup. That day was probably the best day of my life so far (Nick scored his first senior goal. Everyone who doubted me or didn’t believe me in the last 10 years was wrong. I felt like I was able to prove that I was.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Two things – first, don’t take soccer seriously because you only have one life. Just enjoy it, savor it, live it, really live it.
Second, I think the advice to never give up and believe in yourself helped me get through the bad times, never give up, never give up, not just in football, but in life in general.
If you had to have dinner with three soccer players, dead or alive, who would you choose? Why?
Maradonna, it’s going to be a great party! Zidane too. Because Messi is the greatest player of all time, but I don’t think he talks too much, so the third is probably Ronaldo from Brazil, the three legends.
You have spoken a lot about mental health, not only in football, but in life in general, and you have become a role model not just for young fans, but for people across the country. any advice?
Don’t be afraid to speak up and try to understand what’s going on before asking for the best help you can get with the issues you’re struggling with. occupies I will be open and honest. My struggles are anxiety and performance anxiety. I worked with a great company called Chimpanzee Paradox and they really helped me manage, understand and control it. in life.
Most importantly, don’t be afraid to speak up. There is a lot of power in being open and saying, “Hey, I’m going through this and I need help.”
Finally, rely on someone you trust and who truly loves you.
Do you think there is enough mental health support for players within the football league?
Unfortunately, there is not enough support in football, as we do not see weaknesses. I have a 16 year old who lost his life because he was released from the club so this is definitely something that needs to be addressed. I really know what I can do. I explained that I always had a superpower that was deprived of it. I’ve played soccer all my life, but I didn’t.
I think more needs to be done to make the players understand that they are human beings and that football does not decide their lives. Regarding mental health, I don’t think there is enough support in the academy system. I think the academy needs at least one psychologist who talks to the players every week or two. And even after a player has been sacked, they still need to reach out to someone, whether at their previous club or elsewhere, for help.
How has your view of mental health changed over the course of your career?
became much better. It’s good to see the Premier League players talking about it and the players talking at the top level shining a light on it.
Sure, PFA has done some good things, which is positive, but much more is needed, including proper planning to actually deal with it.
Do you have pre-match rituals or superstitions?
Many, many! I wear the same GPS vest and wear the same socks (they will be washed, but don’t worry! Grandma sewed the top on so it’s ragged!). I always eat sweet potatoes and listen to videos about Taoism and stoic philosophy before games to calm my mind.
Do you have any memorable interactions with fans of opposing teams?
I have been called by every name under the sun! One day the shirt I was wearing was very tight and very fitting. One of the away fans shouted when I was about to pitch. I turned around and said. And I gave them a little bit of flexibility.
Crowley has had a difficult season this year. How did you stay motivated during the rough patches?
Back to enjoying every moment. We are blessed with the fact that we can go out and play football every day. that’s my job. No matter how bad it gets, life can get worse. Pushing yourself to the limit is a fun challenge that takes the pressure off and allows you to do your best.
What are your aspirations for the future?
Of course I want to move up the league in the future, but right now I’m just staying with Crowley and enjoying my time and seeing what the future holds and trying to be the best version of myself when I play. increase.
Finally, please give a message to the people reading this.
No matter what you’re going through, you’re not alone – there’s always someone who cares about you, you’re loved, and you’ll be fine no matter what!
https://www.thisislocallondon.co.uk/news/23492979.true-inspiration-football-ace-shares—emilia-pantelides-daos/?ref=rss A true inspiration: football ace shares everything – Emilia Panthelides, DAOS