Stuart Barker
My introduction into women’s football came when coaching the Hampshire Constabulary Ladies football team. Since then I have been fortunate enough to spend some time working as a coach of Winchester Flyers Reserves and also assisting with the women’s team.
In 2018 I was part of a duo who established Havant & Waterlooville girls. Around the same time, the concept of Since 71 was born. The aim being to promote girls and women’s football at all levels from international to grassroots on the website, social media via our podcast.
When I launched Since 71 I had the aspiration that we would be taken seriously enough to take part in England press conference and attain media accreditation for matches. In 2019 I was fortunate enough to take part in the Sarina Weigman’s press conference. While in 2021 I was able to attend the England vs Canada international friendly as an accredited journalist. Something which I have been very proud of. The website wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for my team of volunteer contributors who give up their free time to push the women’s game further and promote the great stories from match reports, to interviews and discussion pieces.
Since 2021 we re-launched the podcast and with every episode I have been growing in confidence and believe that the product gets stronger and stronger. I look forward to seeing it develop and grow. It has also been a pleasure to have been invited on various YouTube fan channels to share my views on women’s football topics.
Charlotte Stacey
My introduction into Women’s Football: The 2019 World Cup is where I pinpoint my “proper” introduction to women’s football. The first moment I saw the Lionesses in that tournament, I was hooked and I haven’t looked back since.
Club Team: I first took a bit of an interest in Manchester City given that was the club most of the England team then played for. However, as time has gone on it’s Arsenal that I’ve grown to support. I’ve spent many a winter night freezing at Borehamwood!
Favourite Player: Keira Walsh. Magic.
My first live game was the Lionesses versus Germany at Wembley. It was the first match the Lionesses played after being knocked out of the World Cup by the USA and I vividly remember it being a deceptively cold and drizzly night, which, unfortunately, just about matched England’s performance. Not long after that I began to actively contribute to women’s football.
If I could make one change in the women’s game it would be accessibility. It’s been wonderful to see that, even in the short time I have been following women’s football, visibility and accessibility has improved indefinitely, however there is still so much more room for growth. Stories from the whole pyramid should be reported on more regularly in the news, the Women’s Championship should be broadcast on the FA Player; the scope is huge!
Where else can you find my work….
As well as contributing to Since 71 I am also the founder of the women’s football platform On Her Side and most of my work can be found there. I also contribute to The Offside Rule and The Women’s Football Magazine.
I have written extracts for two books; The Women’s Football Yearbook by Chris Slegg and Tom Garry and Lionesses: A New Hope by Abdullah Abdullah. I’ve been a guest on podcasts including Since 71, The Football Misfits, Football Engine and Bleav CFCW.
My graphic work has been shared by several women’s football outlets including Since71, Her Football Hub, Impetus, The CFCW Social, Sporting Her, as well as Arsenal Women and several WSL/WC players.
Jonathan Foster
My Introduction to Women’s Football:
When Man United Women’s Team reformed in 2018. I treated it as another Man United team to support, but this ended up just being a catalyst for something much larger.
Club Team: Man United is my childhood club and Stourbridge FC which is my hometown.
National Team: England
Favourite Player: Ella Toone (Man United) and Mill Rogers (Stourbridge) – Both for the same reasons coincidentally. Both players are enjoyable to watch on and off the pitch and both advocates for the future generations of Women’s Football.
My first live game was… Man City vs Man United in 2019, at the Etihad. United lost 1-0 in their first game in the WSL.
If I could make one change in the women’s game it would be…
For clubs to give equal exposure to both men’s and women’s teams. Exposure can be free, let’s utilise the free promotion available and distribute it equally. Whether it be social media, websites, videos or interviews. Advertising is key!
You can find me on The Glassgirls Network YouTube Channel. I’m also the co-founder of the award-winning YouTube channel, ‘All For United WFC’ and I have written hundreds of Manchester United Articles on, ‘The United Stand’ Website. Twitter: @JonFosterMUFC
Charlotte Galloway
My introduction to Women’s Football: I’ve been playing since I was about 7 years old! I played with the boys at school, and was lucky enough to have a girl’s team in my local area which I was able to join when I was about 9 or 10. In terms of watching women’s football, that’s much more recent – around 2018!
Club Team: is it ok to have a few? Arsenal (absolutely stunning football), Bristol (as they’re my nearest pro team) and Cardiff City Ladies (as they’re my local team!)
National Team: Scotland, Wales, England. In that order. (I was born in England, but the football side of my family is Scottish and I’ve lived in Wales for the last 10 years!)
Favourite Player: Kim Little. She can do EVERYTHING so well
My first live game was: Wales versus England in Newport
If I could make one change in the women’s game it would be…: There has to be more financial support or advice available for clubs which don’t have the security of a successful men’s team behind them.
Where else can you find my work: Since 71 is my first WoSo contribution! I’m also the chairperson of Cardiff Dragons FC, which is Wales first/only mixed gender LGBT football club, and I help out behind the scenes at Cardiff City Ladies FC.