It’s not every day you get to meet a member of the Royal Family.  

It’s not every day you get to attend a prestigious ceremony at Windsor Castle. 

And it’s certainly not every day you get to sign a new contract with one of the biggest clubs in the world.  

It’s been quite the week for Jen Beattie. The defender could not hide her delight upon the official confirmation that she’d agreed to extend her second stint at Arsenal. She’s made 137 appearances for the Gunners, scoring 32 goals. 

Just days after receiving her MBE from Prince William for her association with football and charity, the 32-year-old had another cause for celebration with her new deal. 

All of this comes less than three years after she was diagnosed with breast cancer during the height of Coronavirus. Isolated from family, Beattie admits there were some dark days. But her club and teammates helped her to come through some undeniably tough periods. 

Now, football means more to her than ever before – and she’s determined to help Jonas Eidevall’s side kick on again next term after tasting silverware success again last season in the Women’s Super League. 

READ MORE: Women’s football in Scotland gets major sponsorship boost

“I don’t think any kid when they start playing football thinks about MBEs,” Beattie said. “Nothing like that is an expectation or on the radar, so it was a really special moment for me and my family.  

“You get so used to winning things as a team, achieving success like that. So, it was quite weird to be awarded something individually. It’s really personal to me across the charity work I do. 

“I was buzzing to extend my contract. Obviously having won a trophy last season and getting back to that level of success was amazing. Despite injuries, I think we did really well come the end of the season, getting Champions League too. That was massive for us as a club. 

“I’m excited for everyone to get back fit and get back into pre-season. Who knows what we can achieve next year. 

“I don’t think the Lionesses could’ve done much more last year than winning the Euros at Wembley in front of a sold-out crowd to accelerate the game. That’s made our league go on to different measures. It’s amazing to be at a club that supports that and others that put more resources into the game.  

“I guess for a neutral watching the league, it makes it even more difficult for us as players. There was no out-and-out winner going into the end of last season, let alone Champions League spots. At the other end of the table, it was just as competitive to see who was going to be relegated.  

“It makes me even more excited to have extended my deal at Arsenal, being at a top club and competing for trophies in a very good league.” 

On her experience living with cancer, she added: “It was one of the most difficult times of my life. I was diagnosed during the middle of Covid, so being away from family and friends was one of the toughest things.  

“I always give credit to my teammates and my club who supported me through that. They gave me an incredible level of love. I honestly think that’s why I’m still at this level now because they helped me through it. I found strength in them and the support they gave me was amazing.  

“It was the best thing for me physically and mentally, to stay training. It gave me a new perspective on things – wanting it even more. I loved football before but I think I love it even more now.  

“It was challenging but it’s made me even more grateful and thankful to be doing a job I love.” 

Beattie retired from international duty earlier this year. She called time on her 14-year stint with the Scottish national team after earning well over 100 caps. 

It wasn’t an easy decision to walk away from representing her country, but it was the right one.  

She said: “Pedro was unbelievable with me. We had a lot of good conversations and he fully understood my reasoning for why. I just felt it was the right time for me having not qualified for the World Cup.  

“I wanted to use the international break to apply myself in different areas and to prolong my club career from a physical capacity as well, I guess. There were loads of different reasons, but it felt right.” 

READ MORE: John Hartson on why Brendan Rodgers can deliver success in Europe

Beattie has no intentions of hanging her boots up for good any time soon. But when she does, she aims to follow in the footsteps of her dad John. 

She revealed: “I’m hoping to be like the cliché kid that copies and follows their dad. I’d like to go into broadcasting. That’s kind of what I’ve been trying my hand at during the international breaks.

“It’ll be more a case of seeing what I’m good at, seeing what I’m absolutely shocking at, and then going from there. I want to get as much experience as possible and meet as many people as possible. It’s one way of staying in the game but from a completely different angle. I’m really enjoying it too. There’s a thrill when doing the live stuff and on the radio.  

“Who knows? It’ll depend if I’m good at it or terrible. I’ll go from there. The international breaks have become more important for me to try different things. Maybe not coaching.” 

Beattie was speaking at one of McDonald’s Fun Football Centres. The programme was launched in 2018 to help encourage kids to take up the sport for the first time while promoting inclusivity and accessibility to children from all backgrounds. 

Their aim is to reach one million kids by 2026. In the season just passed the initiative covered 250,000. That’s something Beattie is proud of. 

“It’s been amazing to get involved with it,” she said. “The biggest thing for me has been seeing how many girls are playing. That inclusivity offers a safe space for kids to come and play.  

“I remember coming to these sorts of camps as a kid and being the only girl, so to see so many girls come down now and enjoy it, having smiles on their faces with no pressure, it’s just fun.  

“It’s been happening every week for a long time now over the course of the year. It’s been great to see it happening firsthand. It’s good for the parents too as it’s been a real family fun-oriented day. 

“It’s free as well, which makes it more accessible and is important to highlight. The kids are from ages 5-11, so it’s a good age group.” 

Jen Beattie was speaking at the largest ever McDonald's Fun Football session to celebrate the landmark of over 250,000 children for across the UK benefiting from access to free football this season. Sign up to a free session near you at www.mcdonalds.co.uk/football​