Chantelle Thompson (Liverpool Feds)

When Liverpool Feds skipper Chantelle Thompson was called on to the pitch at Walton Hall Park ahead of their match against Loughborough Lightning last month, she wasn’t expecting it.

It was the most delightful of surprises, though – the presentation of a bouquet from club chairman Bill Stewart to mark her club record 450th appearance in Feds colours.

After 13 years at Feds, more than half as captain, Thompson knew the milestone was coming up this season, but did not think it was going to be so early.

“That was a nice little surprise,” she recalls to SheKicks.net. “I wasn’t expecting any of that, so that was lovely. All my mates were there as well, which made it even nicer.”

Chantelle Thompson: Everyone looks out for everyone

In the early years of Thompson’s footballing career, she played for Everton and the team she supports, Manchester United, but found what she describes as a “home” and a family with Feds. Her best friend Amy Seagraves was also with the club, which was another draw, but even after she retired, there was no question about Thompson remaining.

“We’ve got this unbelievable group. Even when the changes come in...