BBC Three have announced that this December they will be launching the first two episodes of ‘Britain’s Youngest Football Boss.’ The series follows club West Ham United women’s team and their 19-year-old Managing Director Jack Sullivan.
Jack’s dad David Sullivan – Chairman of West Ham United – has tasked him with transforming the club’s fortunes in his first full-time job since leaving school. He will be overseeing a squad of eighteen outspoken and powerful women. Jack has previously attracted criticised by West Ham’s supporters for being quite outspoken about their men’s side and his initial appointment attracted scepticism. I can see both sides of the argument as Jack is entitled to have an opinion on these subjects but perhaps because of his links within the club, he should have shown more discretion.
Filming on and off the pitch across the season, the series will follow the progress of a squad of female players as they debut in the professional Women’s Super League. Having leap-frogged two divisions from the part-time third tier into the newly-revamped league, West Ham United women’s team will now, for the first time, compete at the highest level of the sport, against some of the toughest teams in the world. The side has enjoyed a positive start to the season and sit in 8th position with seven points, including wins against Yeovil Town and Everton. Not to forget their exciting 4-3 defeat to league leaders Arsenal.
With exclusive behind the scenes access, this is being described as a revealing and intimate look at what it takes to be a professional female footballer in today’s game, and whether an inexperienced teenager can change the face of women’s football.
With exclusive access to the club, players and backroom staff, as well as to Jack and his larger-than-life family, this is being described as a revealing and inspiring behind-the-scenes story of what it takes to be a professional female footballer in today’s game and I for one cannot wait to watch it.
Filmed and released across the season, the first two episodes will be released on BBC Three on Wednesday 5th December.
