From Goals to Roles, Meet Football and Actor, Missi Chappell

Missi Chappell is a professional actor and women's footballer from Bolton, Manchester. At 23, she has already faced multiple challenges, including Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome and two torn ACLs. Despite these hurdles, she has persevered through rehab, surgery, and recovery to return to the game she loves.

Missi, how long have you played football, and who do you play for?

So, I started when I was around 5. I have played for 18 years now. At first, I did have to play in the boys' team, but then I went to Bolton's girls' team when I was 10. I've played for Salford and Stockport and am currently at Bolton.

Which footballer do you look up to the most and why?

I'd say either Kevin Davies or Messi. I know it's usually Messi and Ronaldo in the same sentence and not Davies, but he was always my favourite at Bolton. Obviously, Messi is the greatest footballer of all time, well after me, of course.

So, you mentioned briefly about your physical struggles, but what actually happened?

So, I've had two ACL injuries on my left leg caused by an accidental tackle in training. Obviously, these things do happen in this business, unfortunately. Due to this, I had to have a lot of time where I wasn't playing, which meant that I wasn't developing at the same rate as my teammates as I was recovering. Not only did I have to go through surgery, but not playing made me less fit, which was another downside to the injury. I also found the rehab very draining, and it's much more fun playing than watching from the sidelines.

Everything you have been through is truly inspiring. Would you say your mental health was affected while you struggled with this injury?

Yeah, to go back to the last question, it was very draining mentally, dealing with not playing and having to sit through surgery and go through rehab, which I found pretty daunting. I also found the experience quite lonely because I was the only one on the team experiencing this at that time. Playing really helps my head and is a form of escape, so not having that option was hard for me.

So, as well as being a talented footballer, you are also a professional actor. How long have you been acting?

I have acted since I was seven, when I started drama classes, and I made my first TV appearance when I was 12.

Football and acting are two of the most challenging industries to break into, but which holds a bigger place in your heart?

It is tricky because I love them both so much, but if I had to choose, acting.

Which actor do you look up to the most?

I wouldn't necessarily say that I look up to anyone. However, some of my favourite actors are Matthew McConnaughy and Heath Ledger because I think the way they act is unmatched. But I don't look up to them because everyone works in their own way and there aren't specific guidelines, so I want to make my own mould.

What is your favourite film and why?

I don't know to be honest. I don't have a specific favourite film; I love The Gentleman because it's told well, and I sometimes find it funny. I enjoy The Lion King. Two quite contrasting films, you could say. I can't think what my number one would be, but if I'm flicking through Netflix and see a movie I love, it's one of my favourites, but yeah, I have lots of favourites!

Do you have any tips for an aspiring actor?

I would say never to give up. You see it all too often in this industry, unfortunately, where actors lose confidence because they aren't getting jobs, but it could literally be due to something trivial like your height or your hair colour and nothing to do with your acting ability. I am lucky as I have a big circle of acting friends where we all encourage and act as a support system for each other. So, yeah, I'd say do not give up and try finding like-minded people in the industry you can relate with.

Have you ever had any significant roles?

This is a difficult question because I have appeared in 'The Witcher', which is a massive show; however, it was quite a minor role. My most significant role was in the ITV commercial as I was a main. I also did a FIFA commercial, which was great because I met Salah.

What is your favourite part about being a footballer and actor?

Working with my two passions is something that I love, especially when the two merge. For example, I had to play football when I was cast as an extra in 'Get Even'.

What's next for you as an actor and footballer?

I have been cast in Henry House as Sharon, a new pilot show that is hopefully airing on Amazon Prime. It is a central role if it gets greenlit for a second season, and that's if it is even commissioned for the first. My character does appear briefly in the first season; however, if the second season goes ahead, I will have a leading role under my belt. Regarding my football, I have finally got back out on the pitch. However, I could only play for about 10 minutes before I was knackered; this goes back to what I was saying earlier about being less fit than I would've been, accompanied by the heart problem I suffer from. 

Adam Wild is a published children’s book author, actor and presenter with a blogging and content creation background. He is a multi-skilled creative genius with a passion for writing and storytelling.

Adam is a student at Northumbria University who, at times, struggles to balance all aspects of life and, therefore, understands the importance of hearing these stories.