Women Working in Football

Whilst coverage of women’s football has increased in recent years, what often goes unnoticed are the hundreds of women who play a vital role in the day-to-day functions of professional clubs and organisations.

In a brand new feature series, Kick It Out will be speaking to women who work within football – in a number of roles including coaching, club executives, photographers, administrators, matchday staff and more – to celebrate and gain an insight into their contributions to the professional game.

The feature discusses women’s experiences of the game, how they reached where they are today and any challenges they may have faced along the way.

  • Emily Hill - Lecturer and UEFA B Coach - October 2017

    For October, Kick It Out spoke to Emily Hill, a UCFB Lecturer and a UEFA B Coach. 

    In part one, Emily shared how football captured her interests, and the barriers she faced as a young girl growing up in the 1990s, trying to taking part in the game.

    In part two, Emily reflected on the importance of mentors and role models in the game, as well as her desire to support the careers of the next generation of women working in football.

  • Carol Fleming - QPR HR Professional - July 2017

    For July, Kick It Out spoke to Carol Fleming, a Human Resources (HR) professional working at Queens Park Rangers.

    In part one, Carol offered an insight into her role at QPR, as well as reflecting on her path into football and challenging racism as a young person in the 1970s and 80s.

    In part two, Carol discussed the need for female role models in the football industry, encouraging more diversity in the game and Kick It Out’s role in promoting equality.

  • Shelley Strange - Reading FC Academy Coach - June 2017

    For June, Kick It Out spoke to Shelley Strange, panellist at the organisation’s Women’s Raise Your Game conference, who recently became the first woman to coach in Reading Football Club’s Boys Academy.

    In part one, Shelley reflected on efforts juggling four different roles, her ambitions as a coach and her attempt to develop skills away from the pitch.

    In part two, Shelley discussed the vital support she’s received from campaigning organisation Women in Football, creating opportunities for women to coach, as well the need to educate everyone who works in football about equality.

  • Lorna Falconer - Brentford FC Logistics Manager - May 2017

    In our latest feature, Lorna Falconer, Logistics Manager at Brentford FC, speaks about her 20 years’ experience of working within the football industry.

    Read the interview with Lorna here.

  • Faye Lygo - Doncaster Rovers Belles Chair - April 2017

    Ahead of a number of FA Women’s Super League (WSL) fixtures dedicated to Kick It Out in the Spring Series, the organisation spoke to Faye Lygo, Chair and Marketing Director of Doncaster Rovers Belles.

    In part one, Faye reflected on her decision to work in football, her role at the club and its development under her stewardship.

    In part two, she discussed the importance of building relationships with other women in football, raising the profile of the women’s game and the FA WSL’s dedicated Kick It Out weekend.

  • Susan Patterson-Smith - Crystal Palace Foundation - March 2017

    To celebrate International Women’s Day, Kick It Out spoke to four women from across the game to discuss their role in football, how they reached where they are today and any challenges they may have faced along the way.

    In the fourth and final interview, Susan Patterson-Smith, Education, Training and Employability Manager at the Crystal Palace Foundation, discussed moving into the football industry as an outsider, helping young women plan their future careers and the importance of football clubs doing work in the community.

  • Sue Prior - Charlton Athletic Women - March 2017

    To celebrate International Women’s Day, Kick It Out spoke to four women from across the game to discuss their role in football, how they reached where they are today and any challenges they may have faced along the way.

    In part three, former Charlton Ladies defender and now General Manager of the club, Sue Prior, reflected on a lifetime of service to football and the importance of role models in inspiring more women to get involved in the game.

  • Preeti Shetty - Upshot/Football Foundation - March 2017

    To celebrate International Women’s Day, Kick It Out spoke to four women from across the game to discuss their role in football, how they reached where they are today and any challenges they may have faced along the way.

    In the second interview, Preeti Shetty, Head of Operations at Upshot at the Football Foundation, discussed how sport helped her bond with her father and the need for better guidance for young women breaking into the football industry.

  • Ffion Eade - Hampshire FA - March 2017

    To celebrate International Women’s Day, Kick It Out spoke to four women from across the game to discuss their role in football, how they reached where they are today and any challenges they may have faced along the way.

    First up Ffion Eade, Chairperson of the Hampshire FA referee youth council, spoke about her path into refereeing, reporting sexist comments from players and the need for better guidance for young women breaking into the football industry.

  • Cindi Chatha - Essex FA Inclusion Development Officer - Feb 2017

    For February’s entry, Kick It Out spoke to Cindi Chatha, Inclusion Football Development Officer at Essex County Football Association.

    In part one, she reflected on her passion for football development and equality, as well as her work in bringing communities together in Essex.

    In part two, she discussed her family’s acceptance of her love for football, living with an unseen disability and making the workforce in football more diverse.

  • Jess Preece - Exeter City Sports Rehabilitator - Jan 2017

    January saw Kick It Out speak to Jess Preece, University of West England graduate and Sports Rehabilitator at Exeter City Football Club.

    In part one, she reflected on growing up immersed in sport, her journey into football from university and gave an insight into her day-to-day role in Exeter’s medical team.

    In part two, Jess reflects on the challenges she has experienced as a woman working in the game, as well as offering her thoughts and advice on what more can be to encourage more young women to work in the industry.

  • Hala Ousta - Scottish FA Diversity Manager - Dec 2016

    In December, Kick It Out conducted a two part-interview with Hala Ousta, Diversity Manager at the Scottish FA, Board Member for Women in Football and Founder and Chair of Inspiring Women Scotland.

    In part one, Hala discussed her passion for football, her background in equality and policy development, and her work in local Scottish communities.

    In part two, Hala spoke to Kick It Out about the organisation’s role in promoting equality in the game, her concerns about the ‘Rooney Rule’ and empowering the next generation of women to work in football and beyond.

  • Victoria Haydn - Manchester City Senior Club Photographer - Nov 2016

    In the first entry to the series, Kick It Out spoke to Victoria Haydn, Senior Club Photographer at Manchester City.

    Victoria reflected on her passion for photography, football and her desire to see gender equality in the workplace.

    You can read the full interview here.

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"We have a responsibility as players to give something back and I’m really thankful to be part of this organisation because we can do a lot of good."
Jack Butland, 'Next 20' Ambassador
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Clive Tyldesley, football commentator
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Greg Dyke, former FA chairman
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Yaya Toure, Manchester City midfielder
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Toni Duggan, 'Next 20' Ambassador
"It really helped me to see that other professional sports people were acknowledging their sexuality. I read about John Amaechi, Gareth Thomas and Tom Daley. They weren't footballers but the fact that they went public gave me the feeling that I was not alone."
Thomas Hitzlsperger, former Aston Villa midfielder
"There was no conflict between religion and the fact that I wanted to play football. I was brought up correctly and in the right way and my parents are very proud of the fact that I am a professional footballer."
Sadio Mané, Liverpool winger
“I think it’s important to share success stories and realise that there are women operating in the game. If it’s something you want to do, you can do it.”
Ffion Eade, Hampshire FA referee
"I've had loads of negative comments from men, especially growing up. It's just boring and old. Times have changed, and they continue to change. Women play football, and they're good at it, and have been for a number of years.”
Kelly Smith, England Women's record goalscorer
"Despite the progress, stereotypes still exist in football and until that is broken down it will be extremely difficult for a woman to manage a top level men's team."
Rachel Yankey, former Arsenal Ladies forward
"There’s no hiding that there is sexism in sport. We have a lack of women right across all levels of management, playing and coaching. It shows the closed nature of sport in general and this includes the media. It’s an indictment of sport as a whole."
Rimla Akhtar, Kick It Out trustee and Chair of the Muslim Women’s Sports Foundation
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Joe Jacobson, Wycombe Wanderers midfielder
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Bruce Buck, Chelsea Football Club Chairman