Alix Mendez ready for new challenge at Halifax Women's FC

Former Cork City and Wilton United soccer player Alix Mendez switched from Aberdeen Ladies FC to Halifax Women’s FC last month and is enjoying life in her new surroundings with her teammates.

She was signed by Scottish Women’s Premier League with Aberdeen last season and put in some eye-catching performances. However, she picked up a nasty ankle injury and was out of action for over four months, so she lost her place in the team. 

She battled hard to get back in the squad but when a chance to go to England was too much of an opportunity for her to turn down to further her career.

"I joined Halifax in January and it's a fresh challenge for me, especially after coming back from a serious ankle injury that had me out of the game for nearly five months.

"My contract was up at Aberdeen and post-injury I wasn’t really enjoying playing there as much, as it wasn’t a great atmosphere to be in. 

I always wanted the chance to play in England so when this opportunity came about it, was a no-brainer for me to be honest.

Mendez's new team Halifax operate in the third tier of the FA Women’s Division 1 North, just below the Championship. They play at the Myra Shay Playing Fields in Bradford under manager Rob Mitchell. 

This move is perfect for her as she will get a lot more media exposure where scouts from the Premier and Championship sides regularly go to see the Eagles play. This will be extra motivation for Mendez if she wants to play in the higher tiers of English football.

"I am really enjoying my time in Halifax, as the girls are all lovely and it’s such a good club to be involved with and it’s a close environment. All the staff are really committed with really good plans for the club's future. 

Something that I noticed here is that the staff here treat you as a person before a footballer, which shows how much they care for all their players."

HIGH STANDARD

Although Mendez is only with her new club for a few weeks, she belives the league is at a high standard. In the Scottish Premier League with Aberdeen, she got to play against powerhouses Celtic and Rangers where it was very physical, while playing in England is a lot more technical, which suits her game more.

"The standard of the league is very good. Of course, playing in Scotland was too and I have got loads of experience from playing in a top league and against top opposition like Celtic and Rangers. 

"The Scottish League is a lot more physical where here in Halifax it’s really more technical, something that I love.

"I'm really loving playing here so far and although I have only played a handful of games at the moment and I can’t wait for the next few weeks to really hit the ground running. I want to help the team be the best we can and put us in a good place for next season.

"I want to focus on improving every week and being the best player that I can for my new team. 

"I’m not sure yet what my plans are for when the season ends but for now I'm hoping to play and perform consistently and put myself in the best possible position going into next season. 

"And it's if I stay on with Halifax and push on with this club or if it's elsewhere, I'm not sure but for now, all my focus on the next few weeks."

Mendez had other offers from different teams in England and Europe but knew after meeting her new manager and teammates it was the correct decision. There is no doubt she is a very talented player and playing with the Eagles should be another big stepping stone in her career.

"I was in talks with a few places but I just think playing in England was the most appealing to me, as I think this is the best place to pursue my football career."