Rhian Cleverly

A professional footballer who plays for Rugby Borough WFC, having previously spent 6 seasons as the captain of Lewes Women FC in the second tier of the women’s professional league. Rhian has also proudly represented her home nation of Wales. Passionate about spreading her messages of resilience and dreaming big, Rhian shares her story of the obstacles she had to overcome to earn a living playing the game she loves in what has always been a male-dominated sport.

Rhian's story

Rhian Cleverly is a professional footballer whose journey from a young girl with a passion for the game to competing at an elite level makes her a powerful and relatable role model for young people today.

Growing up with big ambitions, Rhian committed herself early to the hard work, discipline, and resilience needed to succeed in football. Like many young people, her path wasn’t always clear or easy, but through determination and self-belief, she continued to push forward, earning her place within the professional game and competing in high-performance environments.

Along the way, Rhian has experienced the realities of elite sport, the pressure to perform, the setbacks that test your confidence, and the constant need to prove yourself. These experiences have shaped not only the player she has become, but the person she is today.

Her story goes far beyond football. It’s about learning to back yourself, even when things feel uncertain. It’s about staying focused when challenges arise, and understanding that success is built over time, not overnight.

As part of a Dare to Dream programme, Rhian connects naturally with students, particularly young people who may be struggling with confidence, direction, or belief in their own potential. She speaks openly and honestly about her journey, helping students to see that success doesn’t come from being perfect, it comes from persistence.

Her message is clear and impactful:

Believe in your potential, even if others don’t see it yet
Don’t let setbacks define what you’re capable of
Your future is shaped by the choices you make today

Rhian’s sessions are engaging, authentic, and empowering, encouraging young people to raise their aspirations, step outside their comfort zones, and start thinking differently about what’s possible for their future.

For schools, she brings a relatable voice that builds confidence and ambition.

For employers and sponsors, she represents resilience, growth, and the importance of investing in future talent.