Evie Nebbitt has been one of Impetus’ sponsored players for 2022/23. Having just come to the end of her first season playing tier five football for Saltdean United in the London & South-East Region Premier, she reflected on the campaign with Ben Gilby
Above: It’s a thumbs up from Evie Nebbitt as she walks out with her Saltdean United team-mates to face her previous club Sutton United during the 2022/23 season. Photo: Simon Roe, supplied by Evie Nebbitt.
The 2022/23 season was one of new horizons for Evie Nebbitt. Moving to the South coast for university and playing at a higher level of the sport than ever before with Saltdean United, the South Londoner reflected on a hugely positive experience.
“I think this season was a great step in the right direction for both the club and myself. We were challenged and played great teams and managed to get good results allowing us to come joint fourth which is a great achievement.
“I was allowed to play all over the back line and challenged and pushed by great coaches who helped to further improve my performance. I played a lot of minutes this season and enjoyed every second of it with the girls. I am proud to have scored two league goals this season from a left-back position, helping to contribute to the score sheet.”
“This season was a great step up for me. I have played in women’s leagues since I was 16 so I am used to the physicality of it but tier five is a great push to improve my technicality. Zak Dove and Tom Saunters have been very supportive and knew what I needed to work on from the start of the season and coached me through the step up to tier five football and I believe I am a much better player than I was at the start of the season.”
Nebbitt believes that a key part of her successful season was being able to settle in rapidly amidst her new surroundings. There was the added challenge of facing her previous club Sutton United who were promoted into the league for the first time.
“Coming into a new team at the start of this season is always challenging however everyone made me feel welcomed which allowed me to settle in quickly. Playing against Sutton was tough as they are a good side however everyone at Saltdean knew how much the games against them meant to me and we managed to get an away win at Sutton. I really wanted to win and I think that showed in my game performance. I was privileged to have my family there to watch and support me.”
The words ‘support’ and ‘encourage’ pop up constantly when the defender describes her club and team-mates. “The atmosphere at Saltdean is great on and off the pitch. In the changing room before games we all love to sing a bit of karaoke on the mic and we all enjoy a laugh outside of football.
“The players in the first team, the development team, and the coaches are all supportive and encouraging and it shows on the pitch that we all play for each other. As players, we have grown and improved as a team and it is shown through our results. I have thoroughly enjoyed my first season at the club.”
After a disappointing campaign during 2021/22, Nebbitt came into a Saltdean United side determined to restore themselves to the upper echelons of the table – and that was a goal successfully achieved. It’s a huge positive for all connected to the club that so many of the squad have already signed up for another season.
“The team at the start of the season were largely all new to the club and throughout we have all grown together as a group. This allowed us to go into next season with the upper hand as we can continue where we left this season off and further improve the team’s performance. Everyone gets along well and the team morale is higher than ever. We have some new players coming in who will be great assets next season. Life’s a climb and that’s what we at Saltdean are doing.
“I think teams in tier five are looking better than they have before. Thanks to people such as Impetus who sponsor and give exposure to teams at this level, we are gaining more support which filters through the clubs.”
With pre-season training already on the horizon, Nebbitt is confident that her Sussex-based side has what it takes to challenge the top three during 2023/24.
“I believe in order for Saltdean to challenge again this season, we just need to be consistent. The team has strengthened with new players coming in, we have a great time ethic and the whole team is really positive.”
Follow Impetus on social media – we’re @ImpetusFootball on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
impetusfootball.org 