You might be surprised to hear that the Albion’s outstanding midfield talent and England international in the making is also our longest tenured player. With Maisie Symonds though, nothing should surprise you. We had the absolute pleasure of posing her some questions during the offseason to find out a little bit more about our fan favourite…
First of all thank you for speaking with us Maisie! Why not start at the beginning – what are your earliest memories of football? Was it watching, playing, or just kicking a ball around with family?
My earliest football memory is going to my older brother’s training sessions. My dad was the goalkeeper coach and I’d join him in the goalkeeper session. He’d shoot at the keeper and if they dropped the ball I’d be there to knock it in. I remember one day the head coach of my brother’s team saying to shoot with my laces and showing me how to do it. I then joined the boys’ team for my age group.
What was it like coming through the ranks at Chelsea? Was it a tough decision to ultimately move on?
My Dad is a massive Chelsea fan. Me and my brothers grew up supporting Chelsea too but it always felt like I was a little more obsessed. I knew every player and was obsessed with Didier Drogba. Didier and Frank Lampard were my favourite players. So, joining Chelsea was special for me but also for my Dad and my family. I don’t remember too much about the decision to leave Chelsea, it just felt right at the time. I remember going down to Brighton in the winter, just after Christmas, and we were training at Falmer University. I loved it. I think something was really exciting about a new challenge and no one knowing me. I have never once thought I made the wrong decision.
Was there a point where it all kind of clicked, and you thought, “I could be a professional footballer”?
My first few years as a professional were weird. It was in the thick of Covid. I found it hard being away from my family and I was learning to do everything by myself. Also, at that age you have to go through a tough period of not playing and learning to perform and prove yourself in that environment. So in the very early days I don’t think it had completely sunk in that I’d achieved my dream of being a professional footballer. But in more recent years I’ve had many pinch me moments, playing in beautiful stadiums, the growth of our fan base, my first call up for England. It feels better than I dreamt it would.
Do you remember what it felt like pulling on the Brighton shirt for the first time? And then later, representing England – that must’ve been an incredible experience?
Like I said, my early moments at Brighton weren’t easy. I just remember being desperate to play; desperate for opportunities. I remember being convinced that if given the opportunity I could show my ability. Looking back it was definitely the best thing for me. I’ve always been so proud to wear the Brighton shirt and to walk out with the team. The first game with England was in Bristol and I remember seeing Brighton fans there on entry. I remember just trying to be focused and keep things similar to normal. As much as you want to enjoy the moment, you kind of have to play it down in the moment and just maintain focus on the job at hand. But I broke down multiple times in tears of gratitude after both games. It was something I always believed would happen and when I was there it felt right. Of course, I didn’t end up making my debut but it’s a memory I will never forget. An absolute dream come true.
If you had to pick one moment from your career so far that really sticks with you – maybe something that made you smile, laugh, or just feel proud – what would it be?
I don’t know why this just came to mind, but I remember playing Huddersfield at home in my first season. It was my first start I believe. I got a few assists that game and had so much fun. Not the most glamorous of games but something that I will always remember!
Your love for your family really comes through in everything you do. How have they helped shape your journey – and what’s it like for your younger siblings seeing you as a professional footballer?
Leaving home was hard. I adore my family and I remember it always being emotional when leaving to go back down to Brighton. Especially with my younger siblings as at the time they didn’t quite understand why I was only coming home for a day at a time and then leaving again. They’re a massive motivation for me and push me in hard moments. They have all sacrificed for me and for my dreams to come true so I feel I owe them a lot. I love to celebrate the happy moments with them.
Social media can be a mixed bag – how do you handle the outside noise and stay focused on the game?
I reflect on my games myself. If there’s something I don’t understand or like that happened, I go to my coaches or teammates. I just want to get better week on week, that’s my only focus. So in terms of other comments and opinions, it’s not something I look for or pay attention to.
Be honest – how crazy is it seeing yourself in computer games or on a trading card? Have you had any “wow” moments?
When I was young, I was obsessed with match attax, probably to an age where I was getting a bit too old for it to be honest! But even now I love collecting the panini stickers and so do my family. All of these little things are part of those pinch me moments.
As your profile grows, more eyes are on you – especially from younger fans. Is being a role model something you consciously think about day-to-day?
I try to be a role model for my little siblings. Even if I have a bad game I focus on still holding my head high and working hard for the team. That’s something I want them to see; how to act and hold yourself in tough moments when things aren’t going your way. It’s definitely something I’m learning and want to continue getting better at. I hope to be a good role model in all moments.
The connection between players and fans is something really special. How much of an impact do the Brighton supporters – and groups like SheGulls – have on you and the team?
I’m the type of player who loves to perform for people. I love the passion. I love to play for and with passionate people. This season has been the best support since being at the club and I absolutely love it. I love the songs and the support, home and away. I remember a few years ago we wouldn’t get too many people in our away end but now we always have a proper away corner and it’s massive for us.
Outside of football, how has Brighton shaped you? What does the city itself mean to you now?
I grew up in Gravesend but Brighton feels like my home. It’s somewhere I think I’d like to live after my career. Just the vibe of the city, it’s such a welcoming and loving city. Many of my teammates who have now moved onto different teams say that they miss the city. There is something very special about Brighton.
We’ve seen glimpses of your creative side too – you’re seriously talented! What does art give you that maybe football doesn’t, and could we ever see a gallery of your work in Brighton one day?
I’ve always enjoyed drawing. It’s something I studied a little at school but for the most part I just drew in my own time. For the past few years I’ve painted most days. It creates a space for freedom and creativity besides football. Of course I can’t play football all day, I don’t think my body could do it! It’s a similar feeling that I feel on the pitch. I’m not too sure about selling art just yet but I’m sure one day I’ll need somewhere to put them all!
Has there been a bit of advice that’s stuck with you – something you come back to when things get tough or when you need a little reminder of why you do what you do?
I have always believed and trusted in the direction that I’m headed in. I’m not interested in the timing or the way it looks. I just have complete focus on the direction and in the way I’m working. I’m not sure if that’s advice but it’s something I always fall back on!
And finally – after all the games have been played, caps have been won, and trophies have been lifted, what would you like people to say about you both as a footballer and as a person?
I hope always to be seen as someone who cares about people. I play for people. I want to give everything back to those who come and give up time and money to watch us play. I play for my teammates. I want to be as useful as I can for them.
SheGulls would like to thank Maisie for her time in agreeing to speak to us and add what a fantastic ambassador for Brighton & Hove Albion she continues to be.
If you are interested in hearing more from Maisie we will have another exclusive piece with her aimed towards our young supporters arm ‘BeGulls’ – coming soon!
If you’d like to sign up to our newsletter you can do so via the following link – SheGulls Newsletter – which will also get you entry to our exclusive giveaway of a signed Maisie Symonds program from the game against Liverpool where she was the cover star!
SHEGULLS - BRIGHTON & HOVE ALBION WOMEN FANS 
Leave a comment