Scoring Goals in the Dark

Clare Shine is a young footballer who had a successful career but also struggled with alcohol addiction, drug experimentation, panic attacks, and attempted suicide. Despite this, she recovered and achieved new goals, finding her true identity and self-belief.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2022
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

Clare Shine, a young footballer, seemed to have it all. At the age of 13, she received her first international call-up, and by 15, she was a member of the Republic of Ireland Women's Under-17 squad. However, the immense pressure of being a prominent striker burdened her young shoulders. By the age of 19, she had participated in a UEFA European Championship and a FIFA World Cup, scored the winning goal in a Cup Final, earned her first senior international cap, and transitioned into a full-time professional player. Despite her achievements, she had also developed an addiction to alcohol, experimented with drugs, experienced panic attacks, and attempted suicide for the first time.

This is the story of someone who found themselves trapped in a world where the weight of expectations and the struggle with personal demons were temporarily washed away whenever she scored a goal. It is the journey of a girl seeking to discover her true identity, a quest for confidence and self-belief from someone who seemingly possessed it in abundance. It is a remarkable tale of recovery and achieving new goals.

Clare's journey began with her early success in football. She was a talented player who caught the attention of coaches and scouts at a young age. Her natural ability and dedication to the sport led her to rise through the ranks, and by the age of 13, she was representing her country at international level.

The pressure to perform at such a high level began to take its toll on Clare. She found herself constantly comparing herself to her teammates and rivals, striving to be the best and reaching for unattainable goals. The constant scrutiny and expectations from the media and fans only added to her stress and anxiety.

As Clare's career progressed, she continued to excel on the field. She scored goals, won accolades, and became a role model for young girls who aspired to follow in her footsteps. However, behind the scenes, she was struggling with personal demons that were threatening to derail her success.

Clare began to rely on alcohol to cope with the pressure and stress of her career. She would drink heavily after games and training sessions, hoping to numb the pain and forget about her problems. However, her addiction quickly spiraled out of control, and she found herself relying on drugs to maintain her high.

The combination of alcohol and drugs took a toll on Clare's physical and mental health. She suffered from panic attacks, depression, and anxiety, and her performance on the field began to suffer. She struggled to concentrate and maintain her focus, and her confidence began to dwindle.

Despite the challenges she faced, Clare refused to give up on her dreams. She sought help and support from her family, friends, and coaches, and began to work on addressing her addiction and mental health issues.

Clare's road to recovery was not an easy one. She faced setbacks and relapses along the way, but she remained determined to overcome her demons and achieve her goals. She underwent therapy, attended support groups, and worked on developing healthy coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety.

With the support of her loved ones, Clare slowly began to make progress. She started to regain her confidence on the field, scoring goals and helping her team win matches. She also started to focus on her personal life, building relationships with friends and family and pursuing hobbies and interests outside of football.

Clare's story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination. It shows that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to overcome personal demons and achieve success. Her journey has inspired countless others, and she continues to be a role model for young girls who aspire to follow in her footsteps.

In conclusion, Clare Shine's story is a remarkable tale of resilience and achievement. It is a story of a girl who faced immense pressure and adversity but refused to give up on her dreams. Through the support of her loved ones and her determination to overcome her addiction and mental health issues, she achieved new goals and found her true identity. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of seeking help and support when needed.

Weight: 474g
Dimension: 163 x 242 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801501170