Alicia Powe | It's hard to end this chapter, but I have memories to cherish
Alicia Powe admits she has mixed emotions at hanging up her boots, but leaves Swansea City Women with moments she will cherish forever after 20 years at the club.
Powe first joined the Swans from Llanelli in 2004, going on to become club captain and win 10 league titles and five cup competitions.
She also featured in five different Champions League campaigns, making nine appearances in total in the top level of European club competition.
The defender brought her distinguished playing career to an end after her side’s 0-0 draw away at Aberystwyth Town earlier this month.
Powe acknowledges there is much she will miss about the game and the camaraderie with her teammates, but she can reflect with pride on her achievements.
“I think it was always going to be hard to close this chapter,” said Powe.
“I have mixed emotions. On one hand I’m extremely happy I was able to have all these amazing experiences at the club but, on the other, I feel sad that my career has come to an end.
“I’ve had the best time at Swansea. I’ve had so many highs, and of course I’d be lying if I didn’t have some lows, but football really did become a huge part of my life.
“I’ve played football with some of the best footballers, been coached by some amazing people and made friends for life.
“I will cherish forever the memories I’ve made over the past 20 years. I’ve loved my time at the club and wouldn’t change it for the world.”
The experience of playing in the Champions League is one that stands out to Powe, but she believes the support she received following her father’s passing underlines why Swansea City is so special to her.
“There’s a few experiences that stand out. I sadly lost my dad unexpectedly in 2017 and within four months my whole life was turned upside down,” she said.
“The support I received from my teammates and the staff was incredible, I continued to play through this difficult time, football was a huge coping mechanism and it gave me something to focus on. I will always be grateful for that.
“On the pitch, one moment that sticks out for me is playing CSKA Moscow in the Champions League, that game was one of the best games of football I’ve been involved in.
“To be able to go toe-to-toe with professional athletes and match their performance for 90 minutes was a testament to everyone involved in the club at that time. The passion and determination from everyone was unbelievable. We lost in extra-time but we pushed them all the way.”
This final season was also Powe’s first as a mother, with her partner Kelsey delivering their first child Hallie just before the 2023-24 campaign got under way.
It was a lifechanging moment for Powe, and it gave her a new perspective on football and life.
It also gave her the incredible moment of walking out holding her daughter at the Swansea.com Stadium for her side’s game against Wrexham in November.
“I think your priorities change when you become a parent, it was difficult at times being able to juggle being a mum, working full-time and then football as well,” she says.
“My partner Kelsey has been amazing during this last season at the Swans, it’s a huge commitment and she’s been supportive throughout.
“Walking out with Hallie was probably my biggest high in football. I feel I’ve achieved a lot over the years, playing for my country, becoming captain of Swansea, and then becoming a semi- professional footballer.
But this to me was the icing on the cake, and the final thing I wanted to achieve as a Swansea player. I feel like I checked my footballing bucket list off with that moment.
“I hope Hallie is able to follow in my footsteps and maybe one day become the next Swansea Women’s captain.”
Over her two decades at the Swans, Powe has seen huge developments at the club and within the wider women’s game.
With the quality of training and facilities improving, games being played at the Swansea.com Stadium, and semi-professional status, Powe is proud of the journey she and the team have been on.
She hopes there is much more to come for aspiring young footballers in south-west Wales.
“It’s worlds apart now,” she said.
“We’ve gone from paying to play football to now being paid to play. In 2004 I’d never have thought I’d be signing a semi- professional contract for the Swans.
“I feel extremely grateful to those that helped me get to that point in my career, in some ways I wish it was 20 years ago!
“But football has progressed massively over the years and the opportunities that are available to young players now are amazing.
“To think of where the club started to where is it now, it’s been a great journey. I’m sure the only way for the team is up, I have no doubt they’ll build on all prior success and take the club further.”