At just 16 years old, Phoebe Mullen is already making her mark in senior football with Cumbrian side, Whitehaven. The young forward, known for her pace and growing confidence in front of goal, has become an exciting option for manager Rob as the team prepares for a huge County Cup Final against Penrith.
Mullen grew up in Haverigg, a small village around 30 miles from Whitehaven, and football has been part of her life from an early age. Over the years, she has played in several different positions before eventually settling further up the pitch as a figurehead to score goals.
She explained. “I have played in most positions on the pitch, starting in defence with my local boys team and moving forward until eventually I have been playing as a striker (or on the wing).”
Her football loyalties were decided early as well, largely thanks to her family. “I grew up supporting Liverpool thanks to my Grandad’s influence — better than following my dad as an Aston Villa supporter!”
Growing up, one of her biggest inspirations was someone from close to home. England international Georgia Stanway started her career at Dalton United, the same club where Mullen first played, something that left a lasting impression.
“She grew up around 20 miles from me and started playing at the same club I also began at. This is something I have taken inspiration from when watching her play for England and at club level.”
Mullen also credits several youth coaches who helped shape her love for the game and kept football enjoyable during her early development.
“Between U12 and U14 I was coached by Neil France and Dickie Steel who stepped up to coach in order for us to be able to play and made playing and training fun during these years,” she said. “My dad also coached for some years. Without people doing that, a lot of players wouldn’t have the opportunity to play.”
“This season stepping up into senior football and joining a new team was daunting but as a coach Rob [Campbell] made me feel welcome. Even in the short time I have played at Whitehaven I feel I have developed and grown as a player.”
When she first joined the squad, Mullen admits she may have seemed a little quiet — something that didn’t last long. “I think initially joining the team teammates might’ve thought I was quiet, but this is something I am definitely not and I hope they have realised over the months I have been here.”
On the pitch, her teammates would probably point to one attribute first, “As a player I think the first quality teammates would use to describe me would be fast. As I have grown in confidence across the season and begun scoring more goals this may also be something teammates recognise about me.”
The jump to senior football has also helped her develop physically as she adjusts to a more demanding level of competition.
I think joining a senior set up was a big change in terms of physicality and ability so training and playing alongside girls who have been involved in this has given me chance to develop this
Adding, “Becoming more physical and holding up the ball gives chance for others to get into the game.”
Whitehaven’s run to the County Cup Final has included a few unusual moments, including a quarter-final against their own reserve team.
“That was an unfortunate draw for both teams,” Mullen said. “As a club we want each other to do as well as possible so knowing that one team wouldn’t get past that point was frustrating. And of course we train together so it was strange coming up against each other competitively.”
Mullen scored twice in that game and was pleased to finally find the net after some difficult matches earlier in the season.
“The nature of a lot of the games we’ve played in this season has been difficult as a striker with not many opportunities on goal so finding spaces to score in recent games is definitely a good feeling.”
The semi-final against Abbeytown provided one of the most dramatic moments of the campaign, finishing 4–4 before Whitehaven eventually progressed via penalties.
“The semi-final was a tight game which went in different directions at different points in the game but we were able to see it out in the end,” she recalled.
“Kacey’s equaliser in the last few minutes of extra time which took us to penalties was a highlight of the game and of course scoring myself to make it 3–2.”
Recently Mullen has also made a strong impact from the bench, scoring several goals and giving her manager a welcome selection headache.
“Obviously I always want to play as much football as possible but equally I want to win as many games as possible,” she said. “Coming on and helping the team in the ways I have in recent games is something I am happy to do. There are many skilled strikers and wingers in the squad keeping Rob on his toes when picking his teams.”
Now attention turns to the County Cup Final against Penrith, a team from the higher division. Rather than feeling the pressure, Mullen believes that expectation may actually work in Whitehaven’s favour.
“I think more than anything it puts more pressure on them with the expectation to win,” she said. “For us we haven’t been in this final for 15 years so being in the final is a huge achievement in itself and I think that definitely takes the pressure off.”
With the team’s main focus this season being survival in their league, lifting a trophy would represent a major reward for the group’s efforts.
“In a season where we are focused on staying up, getting a trophy alongside that would be a huge achievement and something I think the team has deserved.”
Despite having a very young squad, Mullen says the more experienced players provide valuable leadership in important moments.
“We have a very young team with many only having played senior football for a few years and being 16 myself, the players who have been there longer have helped guide the team,” she said. “Caitlin [Irving] as the captain, obviously is the first player that comes to mind, leading on and off the pitch to motivate and encourage everyone. Playing in the same position as Ash [McAllister] who also has a lot of experience, has also benefited how I play.”
As for the manager, Mullen says his calm belief helps the team approach big occasions with confidence. “Rob always has belief in us no matter the game or team and this is no different in a big game like the final,” she said. “He is relatively calm when giving a team talk and in the preparation beforehand, though I’m sure this isn’t always the case and he’s grown into his role over the years.”
For Mullen and her teammates, the upcoming final represents more than just another match — it is a chance for a young Whitehaven side to cap their season with silverware and create a memorable moment for the whole community.
