At the age of just 17, most people are simply figuring out where they belong. For Elana Harley however, now 20, she was performing in front of a huge crowd of almost 10,000 for Connah’s Quay Nomads’ against Wrexham at the Racecourse- with Hollywood superstars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney in attendance. It certainly wasn’t where she expected to be given her self-confessed ‘late-starter’ status, beginning her football journey at 11, however it was a significant moment that propelled her career in North Wales.
Her early years in the game saw her flip-flop between clubs such as FAW Regionals, Wrexham and Chester, while also being invited to a number of junior Wales camps, yet it is Connah’s Quay where she has found a genuine home and a sense of identity.
After joining the club at 16, everything changed for the better and she is now reaping the rewards.
“I was welcomed into a club that felt like home right away. I played under 19’s football on Friday’s and earned a place in the women’s squad alongside two close friends- Polly [Wild-McGregor] who was also 16 and Phoebe [Ellis] who was 15”, said Harley.
“Since then, things have continued to grow. I had the honour of captaining the 19’s when we won the league and then fully moved into the senior team, where I now serve as vice-captain.
“Looking back starting football ‘late’ never held me back. If anything, it’s help me appreciate every step of the journey even more”.
Managing pressure
Performing in competitive sport, particularly at a club striving for promotion, comes with its own weight of expectation from fans, teammates, coaching staff, and the club hierarchy. Not to mention from players themselves, who set their own high standards. But when the tough moments inevitably arrive, Elana is lucky enough to be able to lean on those around her for support. Many people will turn to mental health professionals or family for a helping hand, however her fellow players are Harley’s first port of call when an issue arises.
“I’ve always been quite hard on myself because I set high standards for everything I do. So when I feel like I’ve underperformed, I can be my own toughest critic, stated Harley.
“But over time I’ve learned that coping with pressure isn’t something you can do alone. As a team, we support each other through the highs and lows. They’re not just teammates to me- they’re some of my closest friends outside of football as well.
“Having that bond means I always feel supported, no matter what’s going on”, she added.
Manager Jordan Parry, who has led the side since January 2021, has also been a hugely important figure in developing a positive team environment where everybody can be open about their struggles- as scary as that can be. The results of the team are an obvious focus in their bid to reach the Adran Premier, however it’s clear to see that player wellbeing is equally at the forefront.
“He [Jordan] would genuinely do anything for us, he’s always there if you need a chat or someone to just listen”, Harley said.
“I went through a lot in my childhood and was never really a talker, but JP has helped me realise that speaking doesn’t make you weak- it actually helps you cope and move forward.
“I genuinely look up to him and he’s someone I aspire to be like”, she added, beaming in admiration.
With countless high-profile successful athletes such as Naomi Osaka, Simone Biles, Ben Stokes and Noah Lyles also expressing their own struggles in the public eye, the long-running stigma of a once taboo topic seems to be eroding everyday. Many viewed mental-ill health as a sign of failure that could be exploited by rivals, however greater discussion has normalised being open and seeking help. This has in turn shifted perceptions, a viewpoint echoed by Harley.
“You can see more conversations happening, more resources being made available and a lot more understanding from coaches and staff”, she said.
“There’s still room to grow, but the fact that mental wellbeing is being treated as important as physical wellbeing is a huge step forward for everyone within sport.”
Football as a ‘safe space’
Whenever life throws challenges her way, as it does everybody, the sport is a great opportunity for Harley to escape reality and channel her emotions into something positive. To work towards a common goal with her teammates, all of whom are looking to clinch promotion after the disappointment of last season’s 3-2 play-off final defeat to Pontypridd United.
“Even if I’m dealing with things off the pitch, football gives me a few hours where those problems can sit in the background”, said Harley.
“Being around people who lift you up and make you feel at home makes football more than just a sport for me. It really is my sanctuary.”
The future
So what’s next?
After everything she has achieved on and off the pitch thus far, Elana outlined her ambitions for the short and long-term. One thing is for certain- she won’t be one to plod along and sit in the comfort zone.
“Right now my biggest motivation is helping the Nomads get promoted to the Adran Premier. If we stay focused and play with the right mindset, it’s definitely achievable”, she said.
“Looking further ahead, I have strong ambitions to become a firefighter. I want a career where I can make a real difference and that industry stands out above everything else in my opinion.”
Keep your eyes peeled. When she decides to finally leave the hallowed turf, football’s loss could be the fire service’s gain.
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