Aimee Everett, captain of Crystal Palace, reflects on the team’s debut season in the Women’s Super League (WSL) and the challenges they face. The 23-year-old has quickly become a key player, guiding the Eagles into the top flight of women’s football.
Everett’s journey to captaincy has been marked by impressive achievements, including lifting the Women’s Championship title for the second time in April, this time with Crystal Palace. Previously, she won the title with Leicester City in the 2020/21 season. Now, she stands as one of only two captains under 30 in the Barclays WSL, the other being Manchester United’s Maya Le Tissier.
Last Sunday, Everett led the Eagles in their first-ever top-flight fixture, a significant milestone in the club’s history. This Friday, they face Chelsea at Selhurst Park. Reflecting on the opening 4-0 defeat against Tottenham at Brisbane Road, Everett admitted, ‘Coming away with a loss is not what we wanted.’ Despite the setback, she remained proud of the team’s effort to compete at the highest level.
A career in football was not always guaranteed for Everett. During her time in Liverpool’s U23s, she was unaware of the potential within women’s football. Initially considering a future in electrical engineering, she spent a week balancing work at Spirit Energy’s Barrow Gas Terminals, college, and football training. Ultimately, her dedication to the sport led to a promising career in the WSL.
Everett’s versatility on the field has been a critical asset. Originally a forward (No. 9) and then a centre midfielder, she has now settled into the centre-back role. ‘I feel very comfortable in that position,’ she said, though she continues to learn and develop her skills. As a captain, she leads by example rather than through vocal leadership, emphasizing the importance of playing to her strengths.
Her aspirations extend beyond club football. Having represented England up to the U19 level, Everett aims to catch the attention of Sarina Wiegman and secure a place in the national team. ‘If that wasn’t mine or someone else’s aim, what’s the point in playing football?’ she remarked. Should she achieve this goal, it would be as part of a team of underdogs.
Crystal Palace’s debut season in the WSL presents a unique set of challenges. The team, new to the league, faces different pressures compared to their previous campaign. Everett noted, ‘It’s different to last year when we had a bit of pressure on us towards the end of the season, but we were expected to go and win the league.’ This season, as underdogs, they can compete with confidence and without the burden of expectations.
Despite the hurdles, Everett remains optimistic. She emphasizes the value of competing and demonstrating their abilities at this level. ‘If we come away with points from that then that’s great, but the most we can do is compete and show what we can do at this level,’ she stated.
Crystal Palace, under the leadership of Aimee Everett, face an exciting but challenging season in the WSL. With a focus on competition and growth, the team aims to prove their capabilities and make a lasting impact.
