Help me finish university and carry out my football dreams

I feel heartbroken that my recovery has gotten to this stage but this is my last chance of playing football again.

On Monday November 20th 2023, I was training with my university football club when I suffered an ACL rupture. I have since been on a wild, unexpected journey and I wish I could say that I am any further forward with my NHS surgery wait; sadly I am not. After surgeon calls, GP visits, NHS complaint procedures and hundreds waiting lists phone calls, they still have no update when my surgery would/could be and I cannot get in contact with anybody regarding the progress of this “urgent” case.

I am a student going into my final year at The University York and anybody who truly knows me can vouch for my passion and motivation to succeed when I love something - football is just that. My main motivation in life; where I spend time bettering myself, spending time with amazing friends, and taking part in something that I love. Football is something I have always dreamed to make a career out of and finally playing for York City football club u23 and exploring an offer from Doncaster Belles just before my injury was finally a big stepping stone for me. Being at university during my injury, has been an obstacle to say the least, but I have gotten to a stage where I am comfortable in the gym with nothing but a determination to succeed - I will not let this injury ruin my chances of doing something that I love, but with my final year at university, everything is so much more difficult.

Anybody who has been through this injury, especially at such a young age, knows that it turns your life upside down - physically and mentally (and of course financially).

I started an ACL account to share my experiences on Instagram in the future, a hope to help others whilst continuing to push myself daily. I feel as though my final option is to explore the possibility of private surgery before my third year at university begins, and if this is not possible, use the help of one of the many physios I have contacted within the last 8 months to get me match fit with, or without surgery.

Thank you for taking the time to read a summary of my journey, Millie.