It was great to catch up with Women’s team midfielder Holly Gilder over the Christmas/New Year break. Holly is our first player interview of year 2025! Thanks for your time.
Where have you played previously, and have you always been a footballer?
“I first started playing football at 14 when I joined Northwood Women’s team. I stayed there until I was 33 when the club sadly folded. I then had a season at Beaconsfield before taking a break and then heading to Windsor! It’s always been football for me. I grew up around a football pitch watching my dad play and fell in love with the sport.”
What’s your best position and or where would you prefer to play?
“My best position is definitely central midfield but as long as I’m on the pitch I’m happy!”
How would you describe your playing style?
“For me there are two things that give me the best feeling on the pitch. Number 1, skipping past someone with the ball and playing a nice through ball. Number 2 making that crunching sliding tackle! So, a mixture of attacking and defending I’d say. Once I am feeling confident and comfortable in my own game, I am more verbal. I like building people up. I think it’s important to tell your teammates when they’ve had a cracking game.”
What’s your ambition?
“I am super competitive, so I am always going to want to win. I’m 36 now however – in my retirement era!! So, enjoying my football is important to me. And I have to say, I haven’t enjoyed football as much as I am enjoying it now in a long time.”
Who’s the best player you’ve played with in a team?
“I think I would be in big trouble if I didn’t say my wife…!! We met playing football for Northwood and she is the best goalkeeper I have played with – I am a little bias though!”
Best piece of footballing advice you’ve ever been given?
“Playing for a women’s team at 14. I was a lot smaller than the girls I came up against. Best piece of advice was from my dad. Elbows out, let them run into something sharp!! He also told me you should be prepared to die in the box. That always sticks in my head!”
What do you consider your biggest asset?
“I would say not being afraid to put a tackle in. I broke my leg playing football when I was 20. Ever since then I’ve lost all my fear. I figured the worst thing has already happened, so I don’t really worry about getting hurt anymore.”
What do you do outside of WEFC?
“I’m a class based assistant headteacher in a Primary school. I absolutely love my job, but football is a great way to switch off. The kids love that I play. I think they think I’m semi famous!!”
