by Jonathon Hagger (25/3/25)
Above: Keira Skeels in action for Charlton Athletic. Photo: Danni Fairbairn.
“I hold myself to very high standards and that’s what I expect from other people. It’s about setting the example and showing others the standard we want to be playing at.”
Notching up 100 matches of football for one club is a remarkable achievement for any footballer. For a young player at the young age of 23, it’s an even more tremendous one. Kiera Skeels is a central defender and captain of Women’s Championship team, Charlton Athletic.
Describing herself as dedicated, hardworking, and competitive on the field is a testament to the enthusiasm and commitment she brings to football. Skeels is a quiet character who lets her actions, both on and off the pitch, do the talking. Regarded as one of the nicest and kindest teammates in football, her talented football skills are matched only by the delicious baking that she provides her team mates.
Starting out
Like many football players, it was in the backyard of her family home that she found her enjoyment for football. Beginning at the age of seven, playing in a mixed team was her entry point to the game, until the age of 12 when she moved into a girls’ team. It was through playing with and against boys teams that brought out her competitive side.
Her work ethic and commitment to ongoing improvement through the various junior grades and development academy over the years, culminated in her being signed to play for Reading’s first team.
Being chosen to play for the first team is a huge accomplishment. Not every player gets the opportunity to impress, and Reading provided a lot of support for Skeels to grow into her potential. Even so, being selected for the first team squad didn’t automatically result in game time playing matches. But being in the squad gave her the chance to train and learn from some fantastic players such as Fara Williams and Natasha Harding.
Growing self
While at Reading, Skeels took up a loan option with Bristol City for six months. Making the move was an easy decision as getting minutes and matches was the most important factor. With City not performing to their potential at the time, having a chance to join the team and make a positive contribution made complete sense.
In terms of disruption to her life, Bristol is not far from Reading in terms of geography, so relocating was straightforward given that Skeels could regularly visit her family home with ease.
At the end of the loan period, her desire to keep playing minutes in matches was priority. Heading into the end of the season there wasn’t initially a clear next step, but being in an environment that fosters and nurtures her development was crucial. Being able to sign a contract with Charlton Athletic as a member of the first team was the perfect next step in her career development.
“Having the consistency of playing regular first team football was most important.” But there is still more to work on in terms of her football skills and abilities. She has recognized how important it is to work on her physicality, her work rate and her ability to keep up with the pace of the game. Having made big gains in those areas while at Charlton, she has changed her focus to developing her technical and tactical skills. Given her high standards of performance, she is now asking herself – ‘what other areas do I need to work on?’.
“The psychological aspect of football is something I have really worked hard on in the last two years. And I have also stepped up into a leadership role. So these two aspects have been my biggest area of development in the last two years.”
“How can I become the best player I can, including those skills in my game?”.
When you’re enjoying your football, are feeling valued and a big part of the team, that helps. You really want to do your very best and give everything for the team. It helps when you’re playing with a smiley face and seeing the rewards from that.
In the 2023/2024 season, the Charlton Athletic women finished second overall in their league, narrowly missing out on being promoted. In reflecting on the season that was, Skeels spoke glowingly about how great the team atmosphere was to be in.
International Duties
Being selected for the England Under 23 squad was an incredible honour after having worked her way up through the various lower age group representative teams, including the under 17s, under 18s and under 19 teams. Being selected to play in the Under 23’s is serious business, with the next step being selection for the England national team. Not only did she get to experience playing with some of the very best players in England but she also competed against some of the very best young players in the world.
Taking the pitch alongside some now famous players such as Lauren James, Fara Williams and Jess Park was an incredible experience. The player speaks very highly of the many young players who are currently breaking through into the top tier of women’s football: currently.
“I’ve been lucky enough to play alongside them”.
Stepping up to lead
Through her commitment to excellence, Skeels was soon elevated into the role of captain for the Charlton Athletic women’s team. She describes herself as ‘not your typical captain’.
“I’m quite a quiet character and I don’t shout at people or tell people they aren’t doing things right. I have my own style that I have developed. My style is to lead by example. On the pitch I do everything I can to win, leaving all my effort out there and that is what I expect from my teammates. Through showing others what I expect coupled with my positivity, that is when I am at my best leading others.”
At first, leading was something she found difficult because it was not a responsibility that she was used to. However, having the trust of the people in the coaching team and knowing they had chosen her specifically for the role, enabled her to step up and into the role of leadership.
Her leadership philosophy is demonstrated through her use of her actions to make a point rather than just saying it. “I am someone who will put my arm around you and lead in that way.” Adapting to this style of leadership is something the team has done well. When needed the team have provided encouragement and support to lift their captain up.
Building a good relationship with the Team Manager has been instrumental for Skeels’ leadership success. Karen Hills, Head Coach, has nurtured Kiera and her leadership style.
For the first two seasons the player was extremely quiet around Hills. “I’m not someone to put myself out there. I tried to go under the radar and that’s how I am”. However, Hills recognized the leadership potential and, through her understanding the optimal conditions that Skeels works best in, they have developed a good understanding of each other.
Nurturing and developing players
Mary Bashford is a young player that Skeels is helping to support as she breaks through into the first team environment. “Thinking back to when I was in her shoes and what I needed in terms of support, and when the younger players come up from the academy, it is making sure they feel at home and comfortable, because we have all been there before and know what it’s like. I want to be the person who is there to help them when they need it”.
Getting coverage and exposure for players in the Championship is another area that the player recognizes as being an important. In the current season, one match a week is broadcast live on YouTube but in the 2025/2026 season all championship matches will be broadcast which will shine a light on the league.
“The audience is there and there are people who want to be watching these teams, week in and week out”.
Engaging with fans
“It’s a great feeling when you have people coming down, supporting you, wanting you to be the best you can. Having little girls and boys idolizing you – that is a great feeling. It’s nice to give back to those fans and make their trip worthwhile.”
Attendees at matches will often engage with the players and Skeels goes out of her way to make everyone she meets feel appreciated and thanked for their support. Her kindness extends off the pitch both pre- and post-match. Members of This Girls Ability have the opportunity be mascots and get photos post-match. Charlton’s captain is often very willing to take a selfie and autograph items.
Family and football
The role of family is incredibly important in Skeels’ life. Her parents are her biggest fans and have her England Under 17s shirt, that she debuted in, framed and in pride of place in the family home.
“My family wouldn’t miss a game for the world. They’re always there, always watching no matter where we are playing. They’ll come and watch me play no matter who or where we are playing”.
Where to from here?
Moving onward and upward to the WSL is the optimal goal for Skeels and is what she is working hard to achieve. To get there, playing for Charlton Athletic and striving hard to achieve promotion is key.
“The goal is always to play at the highest level I can and seeing where that takes me”.
Keep an eye on Kiera Skeels. She is a player that will be going places in the future!
Off the cuff
Describe yourself as a footballer in three words – Dedicated, Competitive, Hard working.
Best dancer in the team? – Elisha N’Dow.
A night in or a night out? – a night in, definitely!
Music preference pre-match? – something chilled and not too hectic.
Your go-to goal celebration – a look of surprise that I scored!
Follow Impetus on social media –
Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball
impetusfootball.org 