Women’s football kicks out prejudice and stereotypes
With the UEFA Women’s Euro 2022 in full swing, Imy BrightyPotts learns the sport could work wonders for your confidence
Women’s football has seen a surge in popularity over the last couple of years, and is currently getting a whole lot of love and attention with Euro 2022 in full swing.
For many, women’s football feels like a safe space, with top players frequently speaking about important issues such as LGBTQ+ rights and body image. The game has become an important place for women to learn about who they are at all levels, from Saturday league to Wembley Stadium.
So, how can women’s football and its players help you be more body positive?
ROLE MODELS
According to Liz Ward – who leads the workplace, empowerment and community engagement teams at LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall (stonewall.org.uk), is a grassroots player, and was named on the Football Black List 2021 – seeing different body types is one of the most empowering things about the game.
“Being 30, I grew up with the Sienna Miller or Kate Moss-style body types all over the media, and that really influenced how we see our bodies,” she suggests.
“But in women’s football, we see the varied body types of footballers.”
Liz says seeing athletes whose physiques are more strong and powerful “has helped me feel better in my body. It is so nice seeing women who look normal, who have a bum and thighs. Seeing them being heralded as icons is amazing.”
NO JUDGEMENT about going to the gym, Liz suggests “there is no judgement” when playing football. “I have grown up around girly girls, and I didn’t realise until recently how much our conversations centred around how we look and our bodies.
“In football, some people love just playing in a sports bra – it’s not out of vanity, it’s out of confidence. It’s about connecting to football in a joyous way.”
COMMUNITY GOALS
Liz is part of a team called the Goaldiggers (goaldiggersfootball club.com), and she says: “The community we have built is inherently LGBTQ+ and transinclusive, and with that comes solidarity about how you look and how you feel. It’s just so naturally positive and supportive.”
CONFIDENCE BOOST
As the game helps you reap the mental health benefits of being part of a team, this could positively impact your body confidence.
Bhavna Malkani, co-founder of She’s Got Skills (shesgotskills.co), an inclusive women’s football collective, says: “Don’t let anyone or anything stop you from playing or achieving your goals.
“There are so many inspirational players across professional and grassroots that pursue their dreams of playing.
“You can start at any age, and any level. If you turn up at a Sunday league match, you will see a variety of women of different sizes and ages playing, which is beautiful,” adds Bhavna. “The next time someone or something tries to get in the way of you crushing your goals, football or otherwise, shake them off and
remember how powerful