The life of a footballer’s partner, often referred to as a ‘WAG’ (wives and girlfriends), can be filled with unpredictability, especially during transfer windows. These periods, occurring twice a year in January and summer, allow clubs to buy, sell, and loan players, leading to significant changes in the lives of those involved.
Unforeseen Moves and New Beginnings
Jessica Beaumont, partner of footballer Owen Dale, shared her experience of life during these turbulent times. Her story began when Owen was on the phone with his manager while she was in labor, waiting for her to give birth before he went on loan to Portsmouth, a city over 200 miles away. At that moment, they had just acquired the keys to their new home, which they would occupy for only one night.
“Since living together, we’ve moved five times in five years,” Jessica explained. “You have to be prepared for anything in the transfer window. But it’s also a really fortunate position to be in at a young age.”
Emotional and Financial Implications
Jessica met Owen while he was playing for Crewe Alexandra, and their relationship blossomed despite the uncertainty that came with his football career. A loan move to Blackpool soon followed, during which Jessica was pregnant with their son, Xavier. The couple faced the constant anxiety of not knowing whether Owen would remain at the club or return to Crewe.
After Owen was signed by Blackpool, he was loaned out again, a common practice for clubs eager to provide young players with first-team experience. This pattern of movement has become a significant part of their lives.
“When the move to Portsmouth happened, it really hit me—I had to quickly realize that ‘OK, this is now my life’,” Jessica said. They had just bought a house in Congleton, close to Jessica’s family, but they ended up renting it out after only one night and continued living in rented accommodations.
Life in Transition
Jessica had been pursuing a law degree and working when she had to inform her employer that she wouldn’t return from maternity leave. Post-natal complications made travel difficult, leaving her feeling out of control as Owen made decisions about their living arrangements over FaceTime.
“I had Owen on the phone basically saying, ‘I’ve done a couple of house viewings. I’ve chosen this one. This is where we’re going to be living,’” she recalled. The frequent moves have led to feelings of isolation, especially during Owen’s away games. However, she found solace in connecting with other partners of players, who shared similar experiences.
The Reality of a Football Career
Owen, now 27, has spent most of his career in League One with brief stints in the Championship. He is currently a free agent, allowing him to join a new team without a transfer fee. He acknowledges the sacrifices his family makes and the risks involved in uprooting them for new opportunities.
“There’s always the risk that a move might not work,” Owen said. “So I might uproot my whole family for this next venture and it all goes south.”
Balancing Family and Career
Jessica’s career has taken a backseat as she focuses on supporting Owen and their children, Xavier and two-month-old Etta. She works from home in social media and shares her experiences on TikTok, using hashtags like #wag and #waglife. Jessica emphasizes the importance of maintaining her identity outside of football to avoid putting additional pressure on Owen.
“As much as people say it’s a glamorous lifestyle, you do make sacrifices so your partner can have their dream,” she stated. “At the end of the day, as much as I’m involved, it’s his career.”
Preparing for the Future
Financial stability is a concern for the couple, as life in lower leagues can be vastly different from that of Premier League players. Jessica highlighted the need to prepare for life after football and the uncertainties that come with it, including the potential for relegation or injury.
“You have to be prepared for everything. You just can’t live outside of your means,” she advised. “Luckily, Owen’s been good with injuries. There are some players who get injured in the last month of the season and they’re out of contract.”
Creating a Positive Environment for Their Children
As their children grow, stability becomes increasingly important. Jessica recalls the challenges of organizing Xavier’s birthday party due to their uncertain living situation. However, she remains optimistic about the lessons their experiences will teach their children.
“I think it’s teaching them a good life lesson that they don’t need to be tied to one place,” she said. “We’ve said to Xavier that we might be moving soon, and when we do, we’re going to get his bike back out of storage.”
Advice for Future WAGs
For those in similar situations, Jessica offers advice on maintaining personal identity and being financially sensible. “If you get too wrapped up in it, it only puts more pressure on your partner,” she cautioned. “Also, if you have a season where you get promoted, try not to change your lifestyle and to bank the promotion money.”
Despite the challenges, Jessica finds excitement in their lifestyle. “In football, you don’t get bored!” she concluded, reflecting on the unique experiences their family has had.
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