From Liverpool To The Central Coast: Faye Bryson

“This has been the most enjoyable season in a long while for me.” Gosford is a long way from where Faye Bryson grew up in Liverpool, but the Central Coast Mariners defender has found herself right at home on the coast. “I just don’t feel stressed over here, not one ounce of stress.”

In Liverpool, football isn’t just a game - it’s a way of life. “I’m a diehard Liverpool fan,” Faye says - with conviction. She’s even brought a 96/97 retro jersey with her. After starting her football journey when she was six, she was scouted for Liverpool’s academy a mere two years later. “Younger me was like football is life, and that’s a bit of a UK mindset. You’re brought up with football.”

Whilst watching women’s football certainly wasn’t always as easy as switching on the television, Faye’s dad used to go with her to Liverpool and Everton women’s games. “If my dad didn’t take me I probably wouldn’t have been able to.” In fact, the same is true of her becoming a professional footballer. “I don’t think any of us would be where we are without family members driving us around, doing everything.”

After spending a few years at the club she grew up supporting, Faye made the decision to move to Everton at the age of 11. “I went to Everton because they were better at producing younger players in the system at the time… Everton was the team to be at.” She would go on to train with the first team at sixteen, before signing a professional contract at eighteen. After four years at the Toffees, Faye moved to Bristol, and later played for Reading. “It’s a real football journey of ups and downs,” she says. For all the experiences she’s had, she doesn’t have regrets; if anything, she’s gained perspective. “It opened my eyes. You have to find happiness in things outside football.”

The opportunity to play in Australia turned out to be the circuit breaker she needed. Before then, English football and the Women’s Super League was all she’d ever known. “You weigh up football and lifestyle and this just tops it. I finish training and go to the beach or cafes.”

Securing a finals berth with the Mariners - in their first year back in the league - was a coup, but Faye wants more than that. “I hope we make the grand final.” Working with coach Emily Husband has largely contributed to the positive environment at the club. “She puts her foot down when she needs to but she also values us as humans.”

At Central Coast, the connection the club maintains with their supporters and the local region epitomises the essence of community. Faye talks with great admiration about the fans. “I love when they sing ‘Who do we sing for? We sing for yellow!’” Go to a home game in Gosford and you’ll find the players spread out along the fence with fans long after the full-time whistle blows. “I just love it here.”

On the pitch, if you’re anywhere near Faye’s wing, you’ll hear her throughout the game - it’s almost as though she’s commentating. Her communication is a quality her teammates - especially those with less experience on the pitch - appreciate. “I don’t stop talking on the pitch, I love to help my teammates around me. Whether it be tactical or words of encouragement, it helps me stay in the zone.”

If one thing is clear, it’s that Faye’s rediscovered her love of the game at the Mariners. “It all just fell into place.” For all the harder moments she’s experienced, she’s not letting them weigh her down. “Football doesn’t just bring you happiness, you have to find that externally as well.” It seems that in Australia, Faye’s found exactly that.