Northampton Town footballer left unable to play after 'most challenging' period of career

A talented Northampton Town player is calling for help funding surgery after the ‘most challenging’ period of her football career.

Daisy Barritt won Young Player of the Season last term, but after suffering a full rupture to her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and a meniscus tear has been left unable to play.

The 18-year-old is now looking to raise £3,500 to fund surgery, rehabilitation and insurance, which is not funded by clubs below the Women’s Super League 2.

She said: “I am setting up this fundraiser during what has been the most difficult and challenging period of my football career so far.

“Unfortunately, I have suffered a full rupture to my ACL and a radial tear in my lateral meniscus and if I want to be back playing football, I need surgery and loads of rehab.

“Football has never just been a hobby. It’s my passion and something I have dedicated my live to every day since I was five.

“I quit ballet classes and insisted to my mum it was boring, so dad bought me a Forest kit, some boots and that was it. I joined a local team and I absolutely loved it.

“I’ve spent years working towards my dream of becoming a pro footballer, making sacrifices, overcoming challenges and taking every opportunity that has come my way. As a young athlete I have experienced minor setbacks like smaller, more manageable injuries- but this is different. ACL is a term you hear in the sporting world often, especially in the women's game, but I never imagined I would have to experience this in my life. Now that it is, it’s hard to process and actually comprehend that it's real.”

Daisy came through Leicester City’s academy and signed an Under 21’s contract with Derby County before being placed on loan to Northampton Town. She was nominated for Player of the Season and won Young Player of the Season last term.

She also works part-time and studies strength and conditioning at Loughborough University.

Daisy added: “Suffering an ACL injury has been devastating. As soon as I went down in the game, I knew what I had done. After spending most of my life working towards being the best footballer I can be, the thought of being away from the pitch for such a long period of time is incredibly difficult.

“An injury of this magnitude involves much more than an operation - it means a lengthy rehabilitation process, ongoing physiotherapy, specialist support and months of hard work before I can even set foot on a pitch again.

“I've set up this fundraiser to help towards the costs of my surgery and rehabilitation. In the women's game, especially the leagues below Women’s Super League 2, insurance and a lot of other things are expensive and are not funded by the club. It will also help ease the financial pressure of not being able to work my part time job. Being able to focus on my recovery without the added financial pressure will make an enormous difference.

“Every contribution will help me take another step forwards to surgery, recovery and eventually get back to doing what I love.”

Visit www.gofundme.com/f/acl-surgery-help-me-get-back-doing-what-i-love to donate or find out more.