Brooke Nunn, a standout player for Central Coast Mariners, shares with aleagues.com.au how leaving Arsenal after an 18-year tenure at the renowned English club rekindled her passion for football. She also expresses her desire to mentor the next wave of Mariners talent using her rich experiences.
Nunn’s life took a pivotal turn at just 10 years old, when a casual game of park football with her cousin’s friends opened the doors to a remarkable opportunity.
“It’s amusing how things unfold,” Nunn remarked to aleagues.com.au.
“I often played football at my local park alongside a group of boys, with my cousin bringing me along. It was my absolute passion.”
“One day, a scout happened to pass by, must have seen me playing, and asked my cousin for my number to arrange a trial, as they wanted to see how I fared.”
“From that moment, everything started to change.”
The scout was from Arsenal. Despite being a Chelsea fan by birth, Nunn didn’t hesitate to take a chance on joining one of England’s footballing giants. This decision launched her journey from the Under-10s all the way to the first team, where she bagged six trophies during her successful time with the Gunners.
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Nunn’s narrative, however, is typical for young athletes caught in the high-stakes environment of elite European academies. The immense pressure to deliver and seize the moment weighed heavily on her as she navigated the formative years of adulthood under Arsenal’s spotlight.
This pressure ultimately drove Nunn to step away from the sport at the height of her career.
Five years on, the forward reflects on her two-year hiatus from the game and how revitalising her love for football took her from England to Turkey and Scotland, before finding a home with Central Coast Mariners in Australia.
“Playing for Arsenal was like a dream,” Nunn expressed.
“I was on the pitch with world-class talents like Kelly Smith and Rachel Yankey. It was a relentless environment; I had to constantly raise my game to keep pace or risk being left behind.”
“They imparted invaluable lessons, and I’m thankful for those experiences. I’ve been able to integrate their teachings into both my football and everyday life.”
“I spent about 18 years with Arsenal, progressing from the Under-10s through the reserves to the first team, and experienced Champions League and international competitions along the way. It laid a solid foundation for the rest of my career.”
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“I was young and a bit naive, thinking that football was my destined path, as that was all I knew.”
“I became too comfortable in that role, assuming I would always be a footballer. When I eventually reached the Arsenal first team, the stakes grew, and I felt it was time to step back.”
“I told myself, ‘I need to rediscover who I am. It’s been football non-stop – is there more to life?’ That led me to take a couple of years off.”
“It was a tough choice. I felt I missed out on so much; while my friends engaged in various activities, I was often tied down with training, so it felt like I sacrificed a lot of my youth for discipline.”
“If you look at my CV, there are gaps. People would ask, ‘Where did Brooke go?’”
“I was working regular 9-5 jobs, and at one point, I was at Tesco. I found myself living only for the weekends, and it didn’t suit me. I realised I needed a change.”
“Eventually, I reached a point where I needed to take charge of my life. I wanted to achieve something, and football was my forte. It propelled me back to the sport, and I just knuckled down and moved forward.”
“Football had always been my passion. It was my strength and my outlet. It felt like my soul was calling me back to the game.”
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During her time at Arsenal, Nunn accomplished everything, including two Women’s Super League titles, two FA Cups, two League Cups, and making her Champions League debut as the youngest player in the Gunners’ European squad in 2011.
However, despite winning trophies and gaining recognition at such a prestigious club, Nunn struggled with her identity and lost sight of her original love for the game.
“After my Arsenal journey, I learned not to equate my self-worth with my athletic performance,” she mused.
“I held onto my identity as an Arsenal player, because I was viewed as a promising talent with immense potential. I remember people saying: ‘If you stop playing football, it would be a massive loss to women’s football.’”
“I recognised my capabilities, but I was faced with hurdles that prevented me from reaching my full potential. This led to significant mental struggles.”
“I used to measure my worth based on my playing time. If I wasn’t on the pitch, I felt inadequate. I had to dig deep to understand myself better, to discover why I felt that way and to learn to appreciate the sport for what it is, without tying my identity to it. I’m more than just a footballer.”
“The greatest challenge I’ve faced in my footballing journey is understanding that I shouldn’t let it define me. I need to enjoy the game and remember that I play because I love it and I’m skilled at it. Not because it’s tied to my identity or status. Thankfully, I’ve avoided injuries; it’s really about how I perceive things and how I interpret my journey.”
“Mindset is crucial in football, yet many overlook it. They believe hard work is all that matters, which it is, but if your mindset isn’t right, you can’t perform to the best of your ability.”
“Mental health awareness should be prioritised in clubs, focusing on the individual before the athlete.”
Now at 32, after successful tenures with Championship clubs London Bees and London City Lionesses, as well as international stints with Turkish side Altay SK and Scottish clubs Motherwell and Hibernian, Nunn is reigniting her career in the Ninja A-League at the Mariners.
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The dynamic forward has brought new life to the Central Coast, with energetic goal celebrations and vibrant attacking play defining her contributions in 23 league outings under head coach Emily Husband, leading into the Finals Series.
This week, the Mariners prepare to host Canberra United in an Elimination Final at Industree Group Stadium. With the stakes raised, Nunn is encouraging her teammates to approach the match with confidence, free from the fear of defeat or making mistakes.
Her attitude towards football in her 30s is influenced by her formative experiences, which made her realise the importance of not losing sight of the joy in playing the game – a lesson she hopes to impart to the younger talents at Mariners, including Young Matildas stars Tiana Fuller and Peta Trimis.
“I have an outgoing and vibrant personality, and I like to showcase that on the field,” Nunn said.
“It’s about having fun. Football isn’t a military operation; we score goals, we celebrate. I enjoy spreading that positive energy among the team, encouraging everyone to be free and express themselves. We’re all unique individuals, not just athletes, and it’s important to show that.”
“Be true to yourself. Authenticity is key – when you’re genuine, everything aligns in your life. Those who judge you aren’t meant to be part of your journey, so embrace your freedom.”
“We share a strong bond as a squad,” Nunn continued. “We support one another and maintain open, honest dialogues. If someone is struggling, we pull them aside and guide them positively, and that’s something I cherish. I’ve gathered enough experience to pass on useful insights to the upcoming talents.”
“I believe our league has immense potential and is headed in a great direction, having produced remarkable talents like Sam Kerr and Caitlin Foord. Players like Tiana (Fuller) and Peta (Trimis) have an exciting future, and with the right support and mentorship, they can achieve greatness.”
“My experiences have shaped my growth as a person, allowing me to appreciate things from different perspectives. I’ve learnt that no matter the challenges, if you dedicate yourself, you can achieve your goals.”
“I really needed those experiences to fuel my determination and persistence today. Many people face setbacks and feel they can’t return to their passion, thinking they’re too old or it’s too late. But that’s not the case. You can achieve whatever you set your mind to. Ultimately, you’re in competition only with yourself.”
“As long as you’re mentally in control, nothing can stand in your way.”
This Sunday, Nunn and the Mariners will take on Canberra United in a crucial Elimination Final in Gosford. The victors will advance to the Semi-Finals to face either Melbourne City or Melbourne Victory for a spot in the Ninja A-League Grand Final.
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Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
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