Dual roots, dual opportunity and one determined athlete

Since joining the University of Essex in 2023, Daphne has made her mark as a committed athlete balancing studies, first-team football, and captaining the women’s futsal squad for the past two years. Now in her final year of her Undergraduate degree, she describes feeling “lucky to be part of the women’s football performance team”, where the coaching setup and dedicated strength and conditioning support continue to help her grow and push her game forward.

Introducing … Daphne Watson-James

Image credit: @emilygrace.ph 

Dual Connection

Her story is shaped by a strong dual nationality. Daphne was born and raised in England before moving to Barbados at the age of 8. Her deep connection to the island only grew stronger, representing Barbados at U15 level at just 14 years old, and later playing for the U17s at 15. A huge part of her development came from the people who believed in her early on.

“Mr Forde was my coach for the U15 and U17 teams, and his belief in me at that age really started everything for me. I went on to be part of his club, RF Prime, where he and Coach Corbin really pushed me and allowed me to express myself and believe in my abilities on the field over the years.”

She went on to earn senior caps from the age of 17 and has proudly remained part of the women’s national team ever since.

“Playing and representing my country is truly a blessing and something I will always be grateful for, and I will always hold it close to my heart, being able to represent my country doing something I love. It has been challenging at times; however, hard work has and will always pay off. We went on to be named the WIFA champions of 2025 in September in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

Essex at Heart

Daphne came to the University of Essex to study Criminology with Criminal Law, having received and accepted an Unconditional offer, and plans to follow that up with a Master's in Psychology. Football has been at the centre of her experience, becoming part of the women’s first team in her first year and using every season to develop both athletically and personally within a community built to help athletes thrive.

“I feel lucky to be a part of the women’s football performance team. I enjoy the dedication it takes to be a part of the team and how it’s set up to drive you to constantly grow, on and off the field. The team is lovely, the coaches and our strength and conditioning coach help to push us off the field, all of which play a big role.”

Alongside football, captaining the women’s futsal team has added another dimension to her development. For Daphne, playing both sports “has really helped me improve my game.”

Family feels

When our teams compete, family support brings an extra layer of pride and motivation. Seeing family members cheering and backing the Blades adds another level of recollection. Daphne’s favourite memories are shaped by those moments: “My favourite memory to date is when my mum was able to be here to watch us take a 3-1 win over Wembley, our recent win in our Cup game against East London and previously our Derby Day win in our first year.”

Mutual respect

Everything Daphne has achieved so far, and everything still to come, is a credit to her. We’re proud she is part of our sporting community and stand behind her as she continues to grow and compete for the University and at an international level.

Words from Coach Pawel Guziejko

"Daphne is a fantastic example of where we want the University of Essex’s Performance Football Programme to be and striving for. Playing for your national team is an incredible achievement and a proud moment for any athlete, reflecting Daphne’s personal ambition, her talent, and character. It is a pleasure to coach her, as she embodies our core values of resilience, integrity, and accountability and shows just what it means to be part of our football community in every challenge she takes on."

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