I'm just a normal 26-year-old woman. I live in London. I work as a childminder. And I love playing football.
It's amazing to think that the act of playing a sport can make such a difference to your life, but it can. Football has given me a confidence I didn't have before - the release of playing was something I didn't even know I needed. Now I can't imagine life without it.
I almost didn't start playing - but I'm so glad I did. When I was 22, I found out about a regular game happening locally and I decided to give it a go. But a few days before the session, my grandfather died. I remember crying on the way there and considered turning round, but something in me decided to keep going. Once I got to the session, the bustle and the laughing was such a distraction and welcome release that I started going regularly. I knew it was helping me grieve.
My confidence grew as I played more. I'm naturally quite a reserved person, though I loved sports at school. Finding myself on the pitch a few years later, meeting different types of people, working as a team, trusting and encouraging each other - it reminded me why I liked it so much those years ago. It was a way to come out of my shell, and it's helped me open up more. Playing is an amazing combination of feelings - the energy you expend, the fun you have, and the support you feel when you get something right, it's just a pure escape.
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That's why I'm so happy to see the UK's very first statue of a female footballer - her name is Lily Parr and she is a legend in women's football. The statue was unveiled in Manchester in early June. A lot of people don't know the history of the women's game, and that it was super popular in the 1920s. The story is as impressive as it is inspiring. While men were fighting in WWI, women's 'factory teams' sprung up and Lily's Lancashire team was one of those playing to crowds eager for a much-needed morale boost. Like modern day male footballers today, Lily - a winger - was a household name. Lily and her team played one match that became famous because it drew a crowd of 53,000, with thousands more fans reportedly turned away.
By taking on a 'man's' game (and often playing - and beating - them) Lily and her team of Lancashire factory workers truly broke the mould. They redefined what women could do, and should do, in sport - and captured the attention of thousands while they did it.
If Lily's story has inspired you, there's a way you can get involved in football - without going so far as joining an official team. Up until now, unless you're a certain skill level and take it really seriously, there hasn't really been a way to get into football. But now you can find a casual session without the commitment of having to find a team or sign up for a whole season. The FA Mars Just Play programme is for women, men, those with a disability and even veterans. The sessions are about turning up for an hour of fun and exercise, whoever you are and however well you play.
There isn't a 'type' of woman football is for. There's no criteria or limitations, it's open to all. More women are discovering just how amazing football is, and the positive effect it can have. I should know, it changed my life.
So with Lily's statue standing proud and the summer of amazing women's football ahead, why don't you give it a go, too?
Visit the FA Mars Just Play website to find out more and find a session near you.
Nadine Franklin's story, as told to Sally Griffith.
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