I will be candid. I don’t believe my pals care that much about the Lionesses. Women’s football may not matter all that much to them either.
The majority of my friends are individuals I’ve known since elementary school. Many are male. We are all London natives. We are all in tune with the cultural blend of music, motives, fashion, and cuisine that makes our city one of the trendiest places to live.
When we first met, my peers knew little about women’s football. They had no idea that I was interested in it. Football was my passion for a very long time, but I never spoke about it. I led a double existence. I was animated and talkative. And I was privileged to have many close acquaintances. However, they were unaware of my passion because, in my mind, it was not worthy of celebration.
The unfortunate truth is that they still know little about women’s football. Despite my participation in innumerable interviews and brand campaigns, they still do not care.
I cannot fault them. Most people’s first experiences with football are dictated by males and boys. Men have the propensity to dominate and control the football and the media.
Last week, I hosted an event attended by some of the game’s most prominent figures. Alex Scott, Karen Carney, and Rachel Yankey listened as a panel of teenage females explained that the Lionesses’ European Championship victory had not affected their lives. It was disheartening to see that something so important to so many people had utterly overlooked a generation of women.
Their relationship with football often waxed and waned depending on these relationships, as their formative experiences with football were frequently initiated and understood by the males in their lives.
The Beyond Borders movement released a new report entitled Inspiring a Generation? at the event. The Beyond Borders (Football Beyond Borders and Youth Beyond Borders) movement seeks to redefine social impact and function. We focus on youth and create a more equitable future by collaborating with those who share our vision.
In our discussions with adolescent females, we have pondered at length how women’s football can become culturally significant. We have considered how the Lionesses can be of assistance. We have also made recommendations.
The significance of cultural icons was highlighted. The entire team must be visible. We need more information about them. Each individual’s identity is comprised of so many distinct components. Everyone should have the opportunity to share their narrative. Lauren James and Alex Scott cannot represent a cohort of teenage girls from majoritarian global backgrounds.
The stories of women and children who enjoy the game are also significant. In communities and clubs across the nation, so many people are working tirelessly to resolve the issue. They must be supported. Here you will discover stories and hooks that are relatable to young people.
Due to the distance between their reality and that of the players on the great stage, young people cannot always relate to them.
It is too distant. Where did these athletes start? Futsal cages, muddy football fields, and school courtyards. These are locations that youth recognize.
Girls develop attachment and connection through authenticity and sincerity. Hearing about the journey’s beginning is more essential than hearing about the headlines and bright lights. What songs do they enjoy? What basis do they employ? And what enrages the Lionesses?
One step is to be unapologetic about the diversity of womanhood. Publicly shouting and celebrating this is another option. Brands, broadcasters, and males are representing us. We have overcome many obstacles, but this one remains. We hope to convince a generation of adolescent females that women’s football is not merely a part of the culture, but defines it.
This summer, the Lionesses have captured the attention of the nation. Their focus will unquestionably be on winning the tournament. I pray they take it with them. I hope that when they hoist the trophy, my pride will be smoldering. In addition, I hope that it grows stronger and brighter in the teenage girls I work with when they realize they have more in common with them than they might have imagined.
