Captain of Liverpool FC Women, Niamh Fahey talks to Female First about working with Zest Active, what she would like to see in the future of women's sports and the importance of supplementation for wellness as an athlete.
Photo of Niamh receiving the Club Person of the Year from Liverpool Women at the end of last season
When did your passion for football first begin and when did you realise you wanted to do it professionally?
It began since I can remember. In my local primary school St Annins, playing at break time with my friends. When I realised, I wanted to do it professionally it was complicated as when I grew up no such job role existed. However, I knew I wanted to pursue football to the highest level, when I was around 18 years old. I knew I had to try and move abroad to become a semi-professional and make the most of my opportunities.
You are currently working with Zest Active, so can you tell us a little bit more about this partnership and the brand?
I've been a brand ambassador for Revive Active for over a year now. I've always used and admired the Revive Active products before taking up the Ambassador Role. It’s a perfect partnership for me. Zest Active delivers key vitamins and minerals to aid my wellbeing and ultimately my physical performance. Also, as a professional athlete it’s important I know the contents of what I put into my body from a doping control perspective. So, knowing Zest Active is Informed Sport tested is the ultimate reassurance.
Has supplementing your diet always been important to you?
Yes, I’ve always been interested in maximising my performance and nutrition is a key pillar. If I do not fuel correctly then I cannot expect to be at my best. As I’ve gotten older my knowledge has widened and I'm more aware of the added benefit of supplements to your diet and performance, in addition to a healthy balanced diet.
What does your daily exercise regime look like?
When I’m at Liverpool, we train 4/5 times a week on the pitch doing tactical/technical training. 2/3 times a week gym session and a game at the weekend.
Which female sportsperson do you most admire?
It’s hard to pick one. But close to home it has to be Katie Taylor. Having played at underage and senior international football with her, I have seen first-hand the sacrifice and dedication she had from an early stage to be the best in the world! Phenomenal. She is inspiring in many facets. Ambition, determination, resilience, humble, an all-round legend.
Please tell us about the most important women in your world right now.
My mother and my sister. I have only one older sister and she has always looked out for me since I was young. She's always had my back and along with my mother, a big reason I've had a successful professional football career. Their support has been unwavering.
Are you satisfied with the current state of women's sport or do you think there are still changes to be made?
I am happy in the direction it is going although there is always room for improvement. The increased media coverage is great, and I've come across so many young people who now have female sporting role models due to tv exposure etc. However, I think it’s important to ensure both boys/girls men/women have equal opportunities to become the best version of oneself. Whether that is access to facilities, nutrition, we should be making that happen.
What tips do you have for aspiring female footballers?
Practice. Practice. Practice. And have fun. It’s the reason you started playing, don't lose sight of that.
What does a typical day look like in your world?
Depends if I am training that day or not. A non-training day involves a lie in, late breakfast, go for a walk in one of my local parks then maybe head into the city for a coffee and some lunch. Catch up with a few people. I love the cinema, so on my days off if there is anything good out, I'll usually go that evening. Get a bucket of popcorn and a cheeky pick & mix.
What is next for you?
I’m excited to see that after I finish playing but in the immediate future it's getting back into pre-season with Liverpool and back competing in the WSL. I’m so excited for this season, I can't wait. https://reviveactive.com/blogs/ambassadors/niamh-fahey
Zest Active
Price: £29.95 for a 1 Month supply Stockist: www.reviveactive.com, Whole Foods, Revital
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