Football is not a matter of life or death – as the famous Bill Shankly said – but for Exeter City Women co-captain Bow Jackson, life away from the field can be the exact opposite.

Alongside representing the Grecians, the ex-Yeovil Town defender holds a role with the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service. Initially a fitness advisor for the service, she has gone on to become an active firefighter – something that brings huge variety to her everyday life.

Speaking exclusively to Mirror Football, Jackson said: “It’s very exciting and plainly, I don’t get much time to rest! But it’s great, it’s nice to have a variety in my day to day life.

“I can go to work thinking I’m doing one thing and that can change the moment I walk through the door and likewise then when I’m at football. It brings that different level of energy to the pitch where we can put things into perspective and work for the right reasons and for the better reasons and that overall picture rather than just focusing on just football.”

Ever since becoming operational, Jackson has had the support of Exeter’s joint-managers Abbie Britton and Aaron Wakely. She regularly attempts to balance both her footballing and firefighting commitments.

Any energy-sapping assignments get priority and she is allowed to miss training as a result. Jackson suggests that approach at the club means a lot and allows her to enjoy both her time with the club and the service.

She said: “It’s such a nice feeling knowing I’ve got the support of my players and managers and all the staff. It would definitely be a higher pressure if someone didn’t understand that.