Laura Holden's Harrowing Journey: From Injury to Advocacy in Women's Football
Laura Holden, the former Aberdeen midfielder now with Swindon Town, has bravely opened up about the debilitating impact of suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during her tenure in Scotland. In a candid interview, she emphasises the need to shed light on the often-overlooked challenges faced by players, stating, "People need to know what happened. It's not all sunshine and roses. There are demons that just get brushed under the carpet without having the light shone on them." Her story serves as a stark reminder of the hidden struggles within the sport.
A Promising Start Derailed by Injury
Holden joined Aberdeen in August 2023 with high hopes of establishing herself as a key player in the Scottish Women's Premier League. However, just six matches into the season, her aspirations were shattered when she ruptured her ACL during an away game against Hibernian. The physical recovery was daunting, but Holden soon discovered that navigating her relationship with the club would prove to be an even greater test. She claims that neglect from Aberdeen's coaching and physiotherapy teams led to a severe deterioration in her mental health, ultimately compelling her to leave Scotland in 2025.
Allegations of Neglect and Financial Strain
According to Holden, Aberdeen initially funded a scan but then expected her to join the NHS waiting list for surgery. Fearing delays that could sideline her for much of her two-year contract, she opted to pay approximately £8,000 for the operation herself. She reflects, "I thought I was doing the right thing by not tarring the club with the fact that they wouldn't support one of their women's players." Holden even proposed that the club stop paying her wages to cover the surgery costs, but she says this offer was refused, leaving her feeling unsupported and surprised by the lack of assistance.
The Mental Toll of Rehabilitation
Holden describes her rehabilitation as a mentally destructive process, stating, "The rehab mentally destroyed me without me even realising it. I was so naive to the fact that I was struggling, but when you think about it and you start to strip things back, I was depressed to the point where I did not even know it." She alleges that the club's women's team physio provided minimal guidance, handing her a rehabilitation programme with little follow-up. Holden felt like a burden, constantly having to ask for advice, which exacerbated her sense of isolation and anxiety.
Conflict and a Fractured Return
Tensions escalated in autumn 2024 when Holden believed she was ready to return to ball training but claims the physio repeatedly denied her, citing fitness concerns. A heated argument ensued, witnessed by teammates, leaving Holden emotionally distraught. After Aberdeen appointed Scott Booth as coach in October 2024, Holden began training again but was soon told he wanted her to go on loan. She expresses disbelief, saying, "I felt like he'd just written me off before even seeing me play." Despite making a brief comeback as a substitute after 543 days out, she was subsequently left out of matchday squads, feeling unwanted and disillusioned.
Seeking Resolution and Moving Forward
In April 2025, Holden met with Aberdeen's HR department to voice her concerns about neglect and unequal treatment. She urged an investigation, though as of January 2026, she has not received any updates. Now at Swindon, Holden is determined to speak out, driven by a desire to prevent similar experiences for others. She concludes, "I don't want what happened to me to happen to anyone else," highlighting the urgent need for improved player welfare protocols in women's football.
Broader Implications for the Sport
Holden's story raises critical questions about the support systems for injured players in women's football. Her allegations of neglect underscore a potential gap in care that could affect others in the league. As the sport continues to grow, ensuring mental and physical health resources are prioritised is essential. Holden's advocacy may inspire clubs to re-evaluate their approaches, fostering a safer and more supportive environment for all athletes.
